Afghanistan is facing a grim reality as the Taliban's rule ushers in a return to brutal practices. Public floggings and executions are on the rise, painting a stark picture of a society grappling with the imposition of strict laws. The year 2025 saw a disturbing surge in corporal punishment, with the Taliban's Supreme Court reporting over 1,000 public floggings across Afghanistan, including at least 150 women. Kabul recorded the highest number of these cases. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting a disturbing trend since the regime regained power in 2021. But here's where it gets controversial: The Taliban have reintroduced public executions, a practice that was synonymous with their rule before the 2001 invasion. In a particularly shocking case, a man convicted of murder was executed in front of tens of thousands of spectators, with the executioner reportedly a 13-year-old boy. The man was shot to death in a sports stadium in eastern Afghanistan, in front of a crowd of around 80,000 people. The UN condemned the killing as “inhuman and cruel”. The convicted murderer, called Mangal, and two others had been found guilty of killing 13 members of the teenager’s family, including several children and women. The Supreme Court of Afghanistan said on X: “Today a murderer was sentenced to retaliation punishment (Qisas) in the sport stadium in Khost province.” The family of the victim was offered the option of forgiveness and retaliation, but after they refused and insisted on Qisas, the order for the implementation of the divine ruling of Qisas was issued. It is believed that the regime publicly killed 12 people this year. The Taliban are reported to have banned spectators from bringing mobile phones into the stadium in an attempt to prevent the execution from being filmed. The execution was the 11th carried out under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law, a system in which offences such as murder, adultery and theft can carry penalties including death, amputation or public flogging. Records spanning the last four years suggest the Taliban have relied heavily on capital punishment, issuing at least 178 execution orders under the doctrine of qisas. The same data also lists 37 death sentences by stoning and four executions carried out by demolishing walls onto those convicted. The Taliban’s first public execution since returning to power was in December 2022 and was carried out by the victim’s father in front of a crowded stadium in Farah province. And this is the part most people miss... The data reveals not only a return to harsh punishments but also a deliberate effort to control information and instill fear. This raises the question: Are these actions solely about enforcing religious law, or is there a deeper motive at play? What do you think about the Taliban's actions? Do you believe these punishments are justified, or do they represent a gross violation of human rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
