Taliban court whips man for theft in Paktia province

The Taliban Supreme Court announced that a man was whipped in Paktia province for theft.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 7 Hoot (Feb. 26), the court said the individual was sentenced to 25 lashes and six months imprisonment. The ruling was issued by a Taliban primary court in Zermet district of Paktia province and executed after confirmation by the Supreme Court.

The statement did not provide further details on the individual or the specifics of the theft.

Corporal punishments, including public whippings, have increased since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan more than four years ago. Such punishments are typically carried out in sports fields or open spaces, drawing crowds of hundreds, including children, to watch.

International organizations have criticized these public spectacles, stating they intensify the punishments' humiliating nature and contribute to the normalization of violence in society. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the practice.