Taliban publicly flogs seven people in three provinces

The Taliban's Supreme Court has announced the public flogging of seven individuals in Ghazni, Paktia, and Kapisa provinces.

In Ghazni’s Muqur district, one person received 39 lashes for “immorality” and was sentenced to four years in prison. In Paktia, another individual was lashed 39 times for “theft” and sentenced to one year in prison.

In Kapisa’s Alasay district, three women and two men were flogged 8 to 39 times for “running away from home and extramarital relationships” and were given prison sentences ranging from six months to one year.

Despite widespread criticism from human rights organizations, the Taliban continues to increase the use of public corporal punishment under their strict interpretation of Sharia law.