The Taliban have publicly flogged women suspected of adultery as they implement sharia rule throughout Afghanistan.
Ten men and nine women were each flogged 39 times in Taloqan for adultery and stealing, according to a top Taliban official.
It is the first instance of physical punishment on this magnitude since Islamists retook control last year.
The Taliban have publicly flogged women suspected of adultery as they implement sharia rule throughout Afghanistan (file image)
The whipping is reminiscent of the terrible killings and stonings carried out in the 1990s by their former administration.
The penalties were carried out in the northern province of Takhar on November 11 following Friday prayers at the direction of the provincial courts, according to a spokeswoman.
It was initially unclear if such punishments would be implemented nationwide.
According to a court statement, the highest spiritual commander of the Taliban met with judges this month and instructed them to administer sentences along with sharia law.
Since the Taliban seized power in August 2021 following a two-decade struggle, other nations have scrutinized their human rights and women’s rights records.
No foreign country has legally recognized the Taliban’s authority, and several have already harshly criticized its reversal on March indications that secondary schools for females would be opened statewide.
Since August 2021, when the Taliban seized power, several nations have scrutinized the Taliban’s record on human and women’s rights.
Under the former Taliban government from 1996 to 2001, public floggings and executions by stoning occurred.
Later, such penalties became uncommon and were criticized by subsequent Afghan administrations supported by international powers, despite the fact that the death sentence remained lawful in Afghanistan.
As a result of the deteriorating living circumstances under Taliban rule, more Afghans will be forced to battle for life this winter.
The seizure of power by the fundamentalist organization threw the economy into a tailspin and radically changed Afghanistan, plunging millions into poverty and famine as international help was abruptly cut off.
In an interview, Martin Schuepp, head of operations at the Red Cross, stated, ‘There is economic difficulty. It is quite grave, and people will fight for their lives.
Sanctions on Taliban leaders, a block on bank transfers, and the freezing of billions in Afghanistan’s currency reserves have already hampered the country’s access to global institutions and the foreign funds that underpinned its aid-reliant economy prior to the withdrawal of US and NATO soldiers.
Mr. Schuepp said that the arrival of winter will exacerbate the severe humanitarian challenges that half of the nation is currently suffering.
Last month in Kabul, Afghan women held educational credentials during a protest demanding that the Taliban regime give them with employment prospects.
He stated, “Prices are rising for a variety of causes, but the problem of sanctions has led to tremendous effects.”
We are observing an increase in the number of Afghans who are forced to sell their possessions in order to make ends meet, since they must purchase heating materials while also facing rising prices for food and other necessities.
It is crucial that all sanctions include humanitarian exemptions so that organizations such as the Red Cross may continue their work, he added. Sanctions impede the timely delivery of relief and essential supplies to the nation.
Mr. Schuepp said that the Red Cross currently pays the salary of 10,500 medical personnel per month to maintain basic healthcare services.
We are very aware that it is not our primary responsibility to pay medical personnel remuneration. As a humanitarian organization, we are not in the ideal position to do so. We have gone above and beyond to assure the continuation of services.’
Mr. Schuepp, who was making his first trip to Afghanistan as operations director since the Taliban’s takeover, stated that the organization fed the majority of the jail population. He was unable to immediately estimate the number of inmates in Afghanistan.
He stated, “We have increased our assistance for jails and prisoners by guaranteeing that food is given in all of the nation’s prisons.” Today, almost 80% of the jail population receives food assistance.
He defined the Red Cross’s involvement as a “stop-gap measure” that became essential after the fall of the US-backed Afghan government in August 2021, when Washington began its last troop departure.
He stated that the Red Cross has attempted to “ensure that essential services continue” in Taliban-controlled jails.
No nation has recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the Taliban refer to their government, isolating them globally.