Taliban publicly flogged a man in Kapisa province after accusing him of spreading “propaganda” against their rule, according to a statement from the Taliban-run Supreme Court.
The statement said that the man was whipped 39 times last week in Hese Awal district and sentenced to one year and six months in prison. The punishment was carried out in public with local Taliban officials present.
Since returning to power nearly four years ago, the Taliban have flogged almost 1,200 people for offenses ranging from theft and running away from home to so-called illicit relations. The practice has drawn repeated condemnation from the United Nations and rights groups, who have urged the Taliban to end corporal punishment.
Some religious scholars argue that criticizing rulers is permissible and that punishing critics with flogging contradicts Islamic teachings.
In recent weeks, the Taliban have detained dozens of people across Afghanistan for social media posts critical of their government. Among those arrested are at least six journalists, according to local sources.
Rights advocates say the punishments are part of a wider pattern of repression. “The Taliban are using religion and Sharia as tools to silence dissent,” said one analyst.
