RASC News Agency: The Taliban have publicly flogged two individuals in Maidan Wardak province, accusing them of “theft.” According to a statement from the Taliban’s Supreme Court, each of these individuals received “39 lashes” in Daimirad district. The statement further noted that both individuals were also sentenced to three years in prison.
It remains unclear whether these individuals were genuinely guilty of theft or if the Taliban arbitrarily punished them under fabricated charges. Reports indicate that during the three years of their renewed rule, the Taliban have publicly flogged over 600 individuals, including more than 100 women, across the country.
Prior to their recent takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban routinely administered floggings in areas under their control. Since reclaiming power, they have continued these brutal practices with impunity. Over the past three years, hundreds have been lashed for alleged crimes such as theft, adultery, and rape. However, evidence suggests that many of those involved in rape incidents were Taliban members or their affiliates. Rather than facing punishment, these individuals were often pardoned and protected by the Taliban.
This practice has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies, including the United Nations, which have repeatedly condemned the Taliban’s method of punishing accused individuals without access to legal representation or due process. The U.S. Department of State, in its annual report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has described the Taliban’s method of punishment as “unethical” and has called for its immediate cessation.
Nevertheless, the Taliban have ignored these calls and continued their brutal practices. The group asserts, “We conquered Afghanistan, and we will do as we please.”
