Taliban intensify public punishment despite global condemnation

The Taliban’s controversial use of public corporal punishment took a dramatic turn on Thursday when a man in Kabul was publicly flogged 39 times and sentenced to two years in prison on charges of “sodomy,” according to a statement from the Taliban-controlled Supreme Court.

This follows the public flogging of 17 people the day before for various offenses, signaling an intensification of such practices under the regime.

Over the past month, more than 70 individuals across Afghanistan’s provinces have been subjected to public floggings, drawing widespread international outrage. Despite mounting global criticism, the Taliban have ramped up the use of these punishments, which include stoning and death by wall-burial for certain crimes.

Also Read:Opinion: Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway: A Risky Gamble on Democracy’s Integrity

A recent United Nations Human Rights resolution, adopted just two weeks ago, condemned the Taliban’s use of corporal punishment as a violation of international human rights standards. “These actions not only contravene basic human rights but also fuel growing concerns about extrajudicial punishments,” the resolution emphasized.

As the Taliban continue to impose their interpretation of Sharia law, the international community is watching closely, concerned that Afghanistan’s human rights situation may deteriorate further under the group’s rule.