The Taliban have publicly flogged a man in Ghazni province on charges of engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage, sentencing him to 30 lashes and one year and six months in prison.

According to a statement issued by the Taliban’s Supreme Court on Thursday, 10 July, the punishment was carried out in Jaghori district in the presence of local officials, court representatives, and members of the public. The statement added that the sentence was implemented following formal approval by the Supreme Court.

Just a day earlier, Taliban officials administered similar punishments in the provinces of Faryab and Kapisa, where two individuals were publicly flogged for alleged “illicit relations” and for “transporting alcoholic beverages.”

Despite strong condemnation from international human rights organisations over the use of corporal punishment, the Taliban continue to implement such measures in public. The group maintains that these punishments are in line with its interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.