Afghan official: 19 people lashed

KABUL, Afghanistan – Nineteen people in northeastern Afghanistan were lashed for adultery, theft and running away from home, an official of the country’s Supreme Court said Sunday. The announcement underscored the Taliban’s intention of sticking to its strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Shariah.

It appeared to be the first official confirmation that lashings and floggings are being meted out in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. During their previous rule in the late 1990s, the group carried out public executions, floggings and stoning of those convicted of crimes in Taliban courts.

After they overran Afghanistan last year, the Taliban initially promised to be more moderate and allow for women’s and minority rights. Instead, they have restricted rights and freedoms, including a ban on girl’s education beyond the sixth grade.

A Supreme Court official, Abdul Rahim Rashid, said 10 men and nine women were lashed 39 times each in Taloqan city in northeastern Takhar province Nov. 11. He said the punishment took place in the presence of elders, scholars and residents at the city’s main mosque after Friday prayers.

Rashid did not provide personal details on the 19 people, such as where they were from, or what happened to them after they were lashed. He said their cases were assessed by two courts before they were convicted.