The Taliban Supreme Court announced the public execution of a convicted murderer on Wednesday in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Paktia. The execution took place in a sports stadium in the provincial capital, Gardez, where both Taliban officials and local residents were present.
The convicted individual, identified as Ayaz Asad, was a local resident of Paktia who was found guilty of intentionally killing another Afghan using a Kalashnikov rifle. The Supreme Court’s statement revealed that the execution was carried out after the victim’s family declined the offer of forgiveness. While the court did not clarify the motive behind the crime, it confirmed that the sentence was carried out under the principle of Qisas, an Islamic law provision that allows for retaliation in kind if the victim or their family seeks retribution.
Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, there has been a notable reintroduction of corporal punishments, including executions and public flogging, for crimes such as murder, robbery, and adultery. This execution is the sixth one carried out publicly since the Taliban’s return.
The United Nations has expressed concerns over the Taliban’s use of corporal punishment, arguing that it violates the UN Convention against Torture. Despite these international criticisms, the Taliban government has defended the practice, stating that these punishments are in line with Afghan law and are necessary for maintaining public security and order.
