Taliban publicly flog man and woman in Sarpul and Balkh provinces

The Taliban publicly flogged a man and a woman in separate incidents in Sarpul and Balkh provinces, as part of the group's strict enforcement of Sharia law. According to a press release from the Taliban's Supreme Court, the punishments were carried out following court rulings in the respective provinces.

On Monday, September 16, a man was publicly beaten 39 times in the Dehdadi district of Balkh province on charges of "obscenity." The ruling was issued by the primary court of the Dehdadi district, which ordered the flogging to be carried out in front of local residents.

In a separate incident on Saturday, September 15, a woman was subjected to 39 lashes in the Kohistan district of Sarpul province for having allegedly illicit relationship. In addition to the public flogging, she was sentenced to six months in prison by the primary court of Kohistan.

Despite repeated calls from international human rights organizations to end public punishments, the Taliban have continued to implement such penalties. The group maintains that these actions are in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, which they say is meant to serve as a deterrent to others.

The international community, including human rights groups, has repeatedly condemned public punishments, calling them violations of human dignity and fundamental rights. Since retaking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have come under heavy criticism for reintroducing harsh penalties such as flogging, amputations, and public executions.