The Taliban’s Supreme Court has ordered the public flogging of 10 individuals convicted of drug offences and theft in Kabul and Maidan Wardak provinces.
According to statements released on Tuesday, nine people in Kabul were convicted of “selling and trafficking drugs” and sentenced to 10–20 lashes, along with prison terms of one to 18 months. Separately, a person in Maidan Wardak convicted of theft received 39 lashes.
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have regularly carried out corporal punishments, including public floggings and executions, claiming they are in accordance with Sharia law.
Human rights organisations have sharply criticised the Taliban’s judicial process, highlighting the lack of legal representation and closed-door trials. The United Nations has repeatedly called on the group to end corporal punishments, citing violations of international human rights standards.
