Nazar Mohammad : “Taliban Public Execution in Afghanistan Sparks Outrage”

The Taliban carry out another public execution in a packed stadium in northern Afghanistan

On a snowy Monday in Shibirghan, the capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, thousands of onlookers gathered at a sports stadium to witness a harrowing public execution. The Taliban orchestrated the death sentence of a man convicted of murder, marking the third such execution in just five days.

As the heavy snowfall blanketed the city, the atmosphere in the stadium was tense. The brother of the murdered man stepped forward and fired five shots from a rifle at the convict, carrying out the grim task in front of the large crowd. Tight security measures were in place around the stadium, ensuring the event proceeded without interruption.

A Disturbing Trend

This latest public execution is part of a disturbing trend since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The once-promised moderation has given way to brutal displays of punishment, reminiscent of the Taliban’s previous rule in the late 1990s.

Since coming to power, the Taliban have not shied away from carrying out severe penalties in public, including executions, floggings, and stonings. This shift towards harsh justice has raised concerns both within Afghanistan and on the international stage.

Continued Criticism

The United Nations has been vocal in its condemnation of the Taliban’s public executions and other forms of punishment. The international body has called on the Taliban leadership to cease these practices and uphold human rights standards.

Despite the criticism, the Taliban have continued with their executions, with the approval of the country’s highest courts and their supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. The recent victim, Nazar Mohammad, was executed in Shibirghan for the murder of Khal Mohammad from Faryab province.

Recent Incidents

Just days before the Shibirghan execution, two men in Ghazni province were put to death for stabbing their victims. The relatives of the deceased took part in the execution, firing shots at the convicted men in a public setting.

Additionally, cases of public floggings have been reported in Balkh and Laghman provinces, where individuals were lashed for adultery and immoral acts. These events have only added to the growing concern over the Taliban’s approach to justice.

Conclusion

The public execution in Shibirghan serves as a stark reminder of the Taliban’s uncompromising stance on law and order. As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, calls for a more humane approach to justice grow louder.