The Taliban’s Supreme Court said five people, including two women, were publicly flogged in Balkh and Parwan provinces after being convicted of offences including facilitating prostitution, selling alcohol and extramarital relations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 18 February, the court said the individuals each received 39 lashes and were sentenced to between one and two years in prison.
The Supreme Court said the punishments were carried out in public in the presence of civilian and military officials, religious scholars, local representatives, court visitors and members of the public.
According to the court’s statements, one woman and two men were flogged in Balkh province, while one woman and one man were punished in Parwan province.
Over the past two weeks, the Taliban have publicly flogged at least 53 people, including women, across Afghanistan on various charges, according to official announcements.
The punishments have continued despite criticism from international organisations that oppose corporal punishment and the treatment of detainees. Taliban officials describe the penalties as the implementation of Islamic law.
