Taliban Courts Impose Flogging and Prison Terms, Drawing Human Rights Criticism

Taliban Courts Impose Flogging and Prison Terms, Drawing Human Rights Criticism
———————————-
Taliban judicial authorities have imposed a series of punishments, including public flogging and prison sentences, for offenses such as “insulting officials,” according to statements from the Taliban’s Supreme Court, prompting renewed criticism from human rights groups.

In a recent case in Jawzjan province, six individuals, including two women, were sentenced on various charges. The court said the penalties included public lashings and imprisonment, but did not specify the exact nature of the statements considered offensive.

Separate reports indicate that courts have also handed down punishments for morality-related offenses, including breaking the Ramadan fast, with prison terms in some cases ranging from five to six years.

These developments reflect a broader shift in Afghanistan’s legal system since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with authorities expanding the scope of punishable offenses compared to the previous government.

Human rights organizations have condemned the measures. The group Rawadari reported that hundreds of people were subjected to corporal punishment over the past year, including at least 857 flogging cases, describing the practices as “unjust and inhumane.”

The Taliban, however, maintain that such punishments are carried out in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law. Rights groups warn that the continued use of corporal punishment and broadly defined charges raises serious concerns about due process, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights in the country.