KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban publicly flogged 21 people in Kabul and Laghman provinces on Saturday, as the group intensifies the use of corporal punishment despite international condemnation.
In a statement, the Taliban’s Supreme Court said ten people were flogged in Laghman. Seven were punished for “illicit relationships” and “robbery,” and three for “theft.” They received between 30 to 39 lashes and prison sentences ranging from six months to five years.
In Kabul, 11 people were flogged for buying, selling, and trafficking narcotic pills and hashish. Each received up to 39 lashes and prison terms of up to three years.
According to the court, the punishments were carried out in public, in the presence of Taliban officials and local residents, after being approved by the regime’s top court.
This marks the latest in a string of public punishments since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Since Monday alone, at least 47 people, including several women, have been flogged across the country.
The United Nations and rights groups have condemned the practice, calling it “inhuman” and a violation of international law. They have raised concerns about the lack of fair trials and the denial of legal representation for those accused.
The Taliban insists it is enforcing Islamic Sharia law and accuses critics of misunderstanding or opposing Islam.
