KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban has publicly flogged 26 people, including three women, across four provinces in Afghanistan, as the group has intensified its use of corporal punishment.
In multiple statements on Thursday, the Taliban’s Supreme Court announced that the floggings were carried out in Kabul, Kunduz, Kunar, and Takhar. The individuals were accused of offenses including “adultery, illicit relationships,” and drug-related crimes.
Each person received between 10 and 39 lashes, with some also sentenced to prison terms of up to three years, according to the court.
These are the latest in a series of public punishments since the Taliban returned to power nearly four years ago. Hundreds of people — including dozens of women and girls — have been flogged since then.
The practice has become more frequent in recent months. Since the beginning of May, at least 108 people — many of them women — have been publicly flogged across Afghanistan, according to Taliban announcements.
The United Nations and rights groups have condemned the practice as “cruel,” “inhuman” and in violation of international law. They have also expressed concern over the lack of due process and legal representation for the accused individuals.
The Taliban defends the practice as part of enforcing Islamic Sharia law, and accuses critics of misunderstanding or opposing Islam.
