Sirajuddin Haqqani "Tried" To Prevent Execution Of Accused In Paktia

Following the execution of a man in Paktia, sources close to Sirajuddin Haqqani told Afghanistan International that he went to the victim's family to ask for forgiveness from the accused, but the family did not accept Haqqani's apology.

Sources said that the sentence was implemented after efforts by the Taliban's interior minister to prevent the "execution".

The Supreme Court of the Taliban announced on Wednesday that it had executed a man at the Gardez Stadium in the capital of Paktia province, on the charge of intentional murder in the presence of senior officials of the group.

On Tuesday, this court had asked the residents of this province to come to the stadium to watch "execution", but refrain from taking photos and videos.

The Taliban had announced that the sentence was executed after the approval of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of this group, in the presence of high-ranking officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior and Khalil ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Minister of Refugee Affairs.

The Taliban court said that Mohammad Ayaz Asad, a resident of Paktia province, killed a person named Habibullah with a Kalashnikov.

Some local media reported that the crime was committed during the previous regime.

Sources close to the Taliban’s Interior Minister said that Sirajuddin Haqqani tried to convince the victim's family to forgive the killer, but the family did not accept this request. The Taliban’s Supreme Court has also said that the family of the victim has not forgiven the killer.

The Supreme Court of the Taliban said that Mohammad Ayaz Asad was tried in a military court and his case was thoroughly examined by three military courts, and then this verdict was issued.

In the newsletter, it is emphasised that the victim's family was offered "forgiveness and peace", but the victim's family asked for the execution of the sentence.

The Taliban has not explained the nature of the order.

Recently, the Taliban’s Supreme Court had announced that it has executed five people since the group's return to power.

The Taliban said that about 30 more death sentences are awaiting the final approval of Mullah Hibatullah, the leader of the Taliban.