The Taliban held a horrifying mass flogging of 63 people inside a sports stadium for crimes ranging from ‘fleeing from home’ to ‘disrespect’.
The terrible occurrence occurred on Tuesday, June 4, in Sar-e-Pul, northern Afghanistan, and saw 48 men and 15 women lashed 15 to 39 times.
Some victims were also alleged to have received prison sentences ranging from six months to five years for their offences.
According to Voice of America, this was the largest group to be publicly flogged by the Taliban since 2021.
Local media reported that locals shockingly approved of the lashings, with one resident telling Tolo News: “Young people will learn a lesson from the crimes they committed, and this will result in a decrease in crime and criminal activities.”
According to Sar-e-Pul officials, those who underwent harsh and violent punishment were caught by security personnel for crimes such as ‘fleeing from home, armed robbery, adultery, sodomy, and disrespect’.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has attempted to maintain contact with the Taliban, condemned the incident on Wednesday, as did the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
“We are deeply disturbed by the widespread, continued use of corporal punishment in Afghanistan,” UN Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in a statement.
“Corporal punishment is a clear violation of international human rights law.
“Afghanistan is party to both the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,’ the statement continued.
“Under international law, all people have the right to be treated with respect for their inherent human dignity and equality.
“We again urge the de facto authorities to immediately cease all forms of corporal punishment.
“Furthermore, we call on the de facto authorities [the Taliban] to ensure full respect for due process and fair trial rights, in particular access to legal representation, for anyone facing criminal charges.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
