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KABUL – The Taliban have publicly flogged 63 individuals, including 14 women, in northern Sari Pul province, prompting condemnation from the United Nations. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan criticized the act on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for adherence to international human rights standards.
The public punishment took place on Tuesday at a sports stadium, where the individuals were accused of crimes such as sodomy, theft, and immoral relations, according to a statement by the Taliban’s supreme court. Despite earlier promises of a more moderate approach, the Taliban has continued to implement severe public punishments, including executions and stonings, reminiscent of their rule in the late 1990s.
In addition to the recent flogging, a separate incident occurred on Wednesday in northern Panjshir province, where a man and a woman convicted of adultery and attempting to flee were also publicly flogged.
The resurgence of such punishments has been a hallmark of the Taliban’s rule since they regained power in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Earlier this year, a public execution was held in Jawzjan province, where a man convicted of murder was executed before thousands of spectators.
The UN’s condemnation highlights the ongoing concerns about human rights violations under the Taliban’s regime, urging for immediate cessation of such practices.
