Taliban Carry Out Public Floggings in Kabul Amid Rising Use of Corporal Punishment

Taliban Carry Out Public Floggings in Kabul Amid Rising Use of Corporal Punishment
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Taliban authorities have publicly flogged 11 people in Kabul after convicting them of drug trafficking and alcohol-related offences, according to a statement from the Taliban-run Supreme Court, Amu TV reported. The court said those punished were found guilty of smuggling and selling narcotics and intoxicants, including methamphetamine, hashish, alcoholic beverages and other illicit pills.

The statement noted that each individual received between 10 and 30 lashes and was also handed prison sentences ranging from seven months to three years. It added that the punishments were implemented following final judicial approval.

The Kabul incident came a day after similar public punishments were carried out in eastern Kunar province, where Taliban officials said 17 people were whipped. Figures compiled from Supreme Court announcements indicate a sharp increase in the use of corporal punishment in recent months.

According to the data, at least 346 people have been flogged nationwide over the past three months, with numbers rising steadily each month. Seventy-one people were punished in September–October, 100 in October–November, and 164 in November–December, representing a 47 percent monthly increase. Kabul, Khost and Takhar recorded the highest figures.

The United Nations and other international bodies have repeatedly urged the Taliban to halt corporal punishment, stating that such practices breach international human rights norms.