The Taliban publicly flogged 18 individuals, among them five women, in Sar-e Pol province on charges ranging from gambling and intentional murder to extramarital relations and phone contact, according to a statement issued by the group’s Supreme Court.

The punishments were carried out in the Gosfandi district on Thursday, 17 July. The Supreme Court said the individuals received prison sentences ranging from six months to two years, in addition to corporal punishment administered in front of local officials, court staff, security forces, and members of the public.

The court stated that the floggings were implemented only after the verdicts were confirmed by the Taliban’s highest judicial authority. However, the statement did not provide any details regarding the legal proceedings or whether the accused had access to legal defence.

Despite ongoing calls from international human rights organisations to end public punishments and the use of corporal punishment, the Taliban continues to carry out public floggings. The group maintains that such actions are consistent with its interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.