KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban publicly flogged 25 individuals in Kabul on Thursday, June 19, on charges related to drug trafficking and sales, the group’s supreme court announced Saturday.
According to a statement posted on X, the individuals were convicted of selling and smuggling narcotic pills, hashish, and alcohol. Each received between 10 to 39 lashes and prison sentences of up to two and a half years.
The court said the punishment followed a ruling by Kabul’s primary court and was carried out after approval from the supreme court.
This is the latest in a series of public corporal punishments under Taliban rule. Since early June, at least 74 people — including several women — have been flogged across several provinces.
Human rights groups and the United Nations have condemned the practice, calling it cruel and a violation of international law. They have also raised concerns over the lack of due process and legal representation for defendants.
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett said public punishments have surged in 2025 and reiterated calls for an immediate end to corporal punishment.
The Taliban defends the practice as enforcement of Islamic Sharia law, accusing critics of misunderstanding or opposing Islam.
