Taliban admits whipping Afghan residents, including women, 39 times each for running away, adultery, theft
- Supreme Court official said 10 men, 9 women, lashed at mosque, apparently first such confirmation since group seized power last year
- It had initially promised to be more moderate, but the citizens were lashed 39 times each, watched by elders, scholars, residents
Nineteen people in northeastern Afghanistan were lashed for adultery, theft and running away from home, a Supreme Court official said on Sunday. The announcement underscored the Taliban’s intention of sticking to their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia.
It appeared to be the first official confirmation that lashings and floggings are being meted out in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.
During their previous rule in the late 1990s, the group carried out public executions, floggings and stoning of those convicted of crimes in Taliban courts.
After they overran Afghanistan last year, the Taliban initially promised to be more moderate and allow for women’s and minority rights. Instead, they have restricted rights and freedoms, including a ban on girl’s education beyond the sixth grade.
On Thursday, a Taliban spokesman said they are committed to implementing all Sharia laws.
