Public floggings carried out by the Taliban rose sharply over the past month, with at least 115 people punished across the country, a 92 percent increase from the previous month, according to data compiled by Amu TV from official statements by the Taliban Supreme Court.
The figures show that in the month of Hamal 1405, March 21 to April 19, 101 men and 14 women were subjected to corporal punishment in 19 provinces, often in public settings.
The punishments were recorded in provinces including Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, Balkh and Kunduz, reflecting a wide geographic spread. Kabul accounted for the highest number of cases, with 24 people flogged, followed by Nimroz with 17. Nangarhar and Khost each reported nine cases.
Other provinces — including Balkh, Herat, Sar-e Pul and Jawzjan — also recorded multiple instances, underscoring what appears to be a continuation of the policy across different regions.
The increase marks a significant rise compared with the final month of the previous year, when fewer cases were recorded. Over the course of last year, nearly 1,200 people were flogged and at least six were subjected to public executions, according to Amu TV’s findings based on court disclosures.
Taliban have defended the use of corporal punishment as part of their interpretation of Islamic law. However, the practice has drawn sustained criticism from international organizations and human rights groups.
In a recent letter, United Nations experts condemned the expansion of public punishments, including flogging and executions, describing them as cruel and in violation of international human rights standards.
Some Afghan citizens have also voiced concern about the social consequences of public punishments, calling for an end to floggings carried out in front of crowds.
