The Taliban’s Supreme Court has announced that 10 individuals were publicly flogged in Kabul and Maidan Wardak provinces after being convicted of drug-related offences and theft.

According to separate statements released on Tuesday, the court said nine people in Kabul were convicted of “selling and trafficking drugs” and sentenced to between 10 and 20 lashes, in addition to prison terms ranging from one to 18 months.

In a separate case, one individual in Maidan Wardak was convicted of theft and sentenced to 39 lashes.

The Taliban has regularly reported corporal punishments since returning to power in August 2021, including public floggings and executions. The group claims these practices are in line with Islamic Sharia law.

However, human rights organisations have condemned the Taliban’s judicial process, stating that it lacks fundamental legal safeguards. Defendants often do not have access to legal representation, and trials are conducted behind closed doors.

The United Nations has repeatedly urged the Taliban to end corporal punishment, calling it a violation of international human rights standards.