Taliban Publicly Flog Nine Individuals, Including Three Women, in Ghazni & Takhar

The Taliban Supreme Court announced on Monday that nine individuals, including three women, were publicly flogged in Ghazni and Takhar provinces. The group accused them of crimes ranging from theft and same-sex relations to extramarital affairs and fleeing home.

According to the statement, five individuals, including one woman, were flogged in Jaghori district of Ghazni. In addition to corporal punishment, some were sentenced to one to five years in prison.

Three men were accused of theft and same-sex relations and a man and a woman were convicted of “running away from home and kidnapping.” Two individuals were sentenced to one year and six months in prison, receiving 35 lashes. Three others were sentenced to two to five years in prison and received 30 to 39 lashes.

Residents of Jaghori shared footage with Afghanistan International, stating that the Taliban forced locals to witness the public floggings. Reports indicate that the Taliban shut down the Ghujor market to draw crowds to the punishment site. Images show a large gathering in an open field where the sentences were carried out.

In a separate statement, the Taliban Supreme Court reported the flogging of four individuals, including two women, in Farkhar district, Takhar. The group accused them of extramarital sexual relations. Three individuals received one year and six months in prison and 39 lashes. The fourth person was sentenced to five years in prison and 39 lashes.

The Taliban Supreme Court frequently announces public floggings across Afghanistan. Human rights organisations and the United Nations have repeatedly called for an end to corporal punishment, condemning it as inhumane and unlawful under international law.