KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban has publicly flogged six individuals, including three women, in separate incidents across three provinces, highlighting the ongoing use of corporal punishment under the regime.
The Taliban Supreme Court announced that a man and a woman accused of ‘adultery’ were publicly flogged in northern Balkh province on Tuesday. Each received 35 lashes in front of the public and officials, along with a one-year prison sentence.
A similar incident took place on Sunday in Parwan province, where a man and a woman, also charged with “adultery,” were sentenced to 35 lashes and two years in prison by the Taliban district court.
In Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province, a man and a woman accused of having an “illicit relationship” were publicly flogged on Sunday, receiving 39 lashes.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has reintroduced corporal punishment as a central element of its judicial system. Hundreds of individuals, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, have been subjected to public flogging in recent years.
The regime has also carried out at least ten public executions for murder in recent years.
International bodies such as the UN and human rights organizations have condemned the punishments as violations of human rights and international law. They have called for an immediate halt to these practices.
The Taliban defends its actions, claiming that the punishments are in line with its interpretation of Sharia law and accusing international critics of misrepresenting or opposing Islam.
