The Taliban Carries Out Public Execution in Northern Afghanistan

In a shocking display of brutality, the Taliban conducted a public execution in a sports stadium in Shibirghan, the capital of northern Jawzjan province, on Monday. The victim, convicted of murder, was shot five times by the brother of the deceased in front of a large crowd amidst heavy snowfall. This grim event marked the third public execution in the past five days in Afghanistan.

A Disturbing Trend

Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, there have been five public executions, signaling a return to the harsh punishments of their previous rule in the late 1990s. Despite initial promises of a more moderate approach, the Taliban has resorted to severe punishments such as executions, floggings, and stonings, reminiscent of their past regime.

International Condemnation

The United Nations has strongly criticized the Taliban for their barbaric actions and called for an immediate halt to public executions, lashings, and stonings. The international community is appalled by the Taliban’s disregard for human rights and lack of compassion in their justice system.

Legal Process

According to reports, the death sentence was approved by three of Afghanistan’s highest courts and the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. The executed man, identified as Nazar Mohammad, was from Faryab province and had killed Khal Mohammad in Jawzjan. The execution was carried out in accordance with Taliban law.

Previous Executions

Just days before this incident, the Taliban executed two men in Ghazni province for stabbing their victims to death. Additionally, a man and a woman were flogged in Balkh province for adultery, while two others faced lashings in Laghman province for immoral acts. These brutal punishments have sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide.

The Taliban government officials were not available for immediate comment on the recent public execution. The lack of transparency and accountability in their judicial system raises serious concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Afghanistan under Taliban control.

As the international community continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s reign of terror through public executions serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country in the post-withdrawal era. The need for a peaceful and inclusive government that upholds the rights and dignity of all Afghans is more pressing than ever.