More than 2,000 people, including hundreds of women, have been publicly flogged in Afghanistan since 2024, according to findings reported by Afghanistan International.
The report says authorities linked to the Taliban have carried out at least 2,009 public floggings since the start of 2024. Among those punished were 291 women, raising growing concern among international human rights observers.
Official figures cited in the report indicate that 567 people were flogged in 2024, including 78 women. The number rose sharply in 2025, when 1,110 people were punished, including 170 women. In the first two months of 2026 alone, 332 individuals have reportedly been flogged, among them 34 women.
Data compiled by the report has been corroborated by assessments from United Nations experts, who say the use of corporal punishment in Afghanistan has increased significantly in recent years. According to UN observers, the number of such punishments nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, and early figures suggest the trend may continue.
Floggings are typically carried out publicly before individuals are transferred to prison. The punishments usually consist of 39 lashes, administered in public spaces by Taliban officials.
UN experts say most men are punished for crimes such as theft, drug use, drug trafficking and gambling. Women, girls and members of the LGBT+ community are most frequently punished for alleged extramarital relations or leaving their homes without permission.
The investigation also noted that no members of the Taliban have reportedly been subjected to public corporal punishment.
Witnesses say these events are often conducted in the presence of large crowds, including children, raising concerns among families and rights groups about the psychological impact on communities.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have also carried out 12 public executions, according to available records.
