The Taliban’s Supreme Court announced the public execution of a convicted murderer in Paktia, a province in eastern Afghanistan, on Wednesday. The execution took place in a sports stadium in Gardez, the provincial capital, with Taliban officials and local residents in attendance.
The court identified the man as Ayaz Asad, a local resident who was found guilty of deliberately killing another Afghan using a Kalashnikov rifle. The execution followed the victim’s family’s refusal to grant forgiveness. The court did not disclose the motive behind the crime.
The ruling was based on the Islamic law principle of Qisas, which allows for equivalent retaliation if the victim’s family demands it. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, corporal punishments, including executions, public floggings, and punishments for crimes like murder, robbery, and adultery, have been reintroduced. This was the sixth public execution since their return to power.
The United Nations has condemned the Taliban’s use of corporal punishment, arguing it breaches the UN Convention against Torture and calling for an end to such practices. However, the Taliban government has defended these measures, claiming they adhere to the country’s legal framework and are essential for maintaining public security.
