A Taliban court in Afghanistan’s northern province of Faryab has publicly flogged a woman for having an illegitimate relationship and fleeing from home. According to a statement released by the Taliban’s Supreme Court on Monday, the woman was given 30 lashes and sentenced to six months in prison.
In Afghanistan, any sexual relationship outside of marriage is considered illegal, and running away from home often leads to severe punishment. This incident reflects the strict enforcement of Sharia law under the Taliban’s rule since their return to power.
In a separate case over the weekend in Kandahar province, two individuals were also publicly whipped for committing sodomy. Both were subjected to 30 lashes and sentenced to one year in prison.
The Taliban’s reintroduction of corporal punishment, including public floggings and executions for crimes like murder, robbery, and adultery, has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations. The UN has condemned such punishments as violations of the Convention against Torture, urging the Taliban to end these practices. However, Taliban authorities have defended their actions, asserting that these punishments are in accordance with Afghan law and are necessary to maintain public security and order.
