Taliban Conducts Public Flogging of Five Individuals in Khost Province

The Taliban’s Supreme Court has announced the public flogging of five individuals, including one woman, in Khost province. These individuals were convicted on charges of “adultery” and “homosexuality.”

According to the court’s statement released on Sunday, each person received sentences ranging from one to four years’ imprisonment and 39 lashes. The punishments were administered in the presence of local officials and members of the public.

Earlier, on 28 November, the Supreme Court reported the public flogging of ten individuals, including two women, across three provinces for offences such as “immorality,” “adultery,” and “homosexuality.” In the past week alone, the Taliban has flogged over 20 people throughout Afghanistan on various charges.

The Taliban asserts that public flogging is in accordance with “Islamic Sharia” law. Despite international appeals to cease such corporal punishments, the group continues to implement them. The Supreme Court has not provided details regarding the judicial processes or the defendants’ access to legal representation.

International human rights organisations have previously expressed concerns about the administration of justice under Taliban rule, highlighting issues related to fair trials and the treatment of the accused.