KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have publicly flogged 17 men and two women in the eastern province of Nangarhar and the northern province of Balk, according to statements issued by the group’s Supreme Court.
In a statement released on Monday (January 19), the Supreme Court said that 14 men and two women were punished in Nangarhar province on charges including what it described as “illicit relationships,” “running away from home,” and the use, purchase and sale of narcotics and alcoholic drinks.
The court said those punished in Nangarhar received between 10 and 39 lashes each. The punishment was carried out in public after being approved by the Taliban’s chief justice.
In a separate statement, the Supreme Court said three people were publicly flogged in recent days in Balkh province on charges of “alcohol smuggling.” Each of them received 39 lashes, according to the court.
The Taliban said all the punishments were implemented after judicial approval and in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have repeatedly carried out corporal punishment in public, including floggings. The group has also publicly executed at least 12 people in front of large crowds, drawing widespread international condemnation.
International human rights organizations have described public executions and corporal punishment as violations of international law and human dignity. They have repeatedly called on the Taliban to halt such practices, warning that they amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
