The Afghanistan Taliban publicly flogged at least 1,186 people and carried out six public executions between March 2025-26 across the country, according to statements from the group’s judiciary.
The punishments were reported in both cities like Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar, and in remote provinces including Badakhshan, Ghor, and Helmand. Most of the floggings occurred in public, and nearly 100 women were among those punished over an eight-month period.
Human rights researchers say these actions show a growing pattern of harsh rule under the Taliban and raise serious concerns about fairness and due process. “These punishments violate basic human rights and create fear in society,” said Abdul Ahad Farzam, a human rights expert.
The public executions followed the principle of qisas, or retributive justice. In Khost province, a man was executed in a sports stadium in front of thousands, including children. Other executions took place in Badghis (three people), Farah (one person), and Nimroz (one person).
During the year, the Taliban also introduced a new penal code criticized internationally for its strictness and lack of legal protections. Authorities intensified punishments for dissent, including flogging and jail sentences for criticizing the government or its leaders.
While the Taliban say these actions enforce Islamic law, human rights groups warn that such punishments are deepening Afghanistan’s isolation and harming fundamental freedoms.
