Coinciding with the opening of the People’s Tribunal on Taliban Crimes in Madrid, the Taliban’s Supreme Court announced that three men and two women were publicly flogged in Kapisa province on charges of what it described as “extramarital relations.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 October, the court said the individuals were sentenced to between six months and one and a half years in prison, in addition to receiving 39 lashes each. The punishment, according to the statement, was carried out after approval by the Taliban Supreme Court.

The flogging took place in the Hesa-1 Kohistan district of Kapisa, witnessed by local Taliban officials and residents.

The Taliban regard flogging and other forms of corporal punishment as part of implementing Islamic Sharia law, continuing the practice despite widespread international condemnation and strong objections from human rights organisations.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have publicly punished hundreds of people across Afghanistan on various charges, often in front of large crowds.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the People’s Tribunal on Taliban Crimes opened in Madrid, Spain, marking four years since the Taliban’s return to power. The tribunal is examining evidence of human rights violations, particularly those targeting women and minorities, under Taliban rule.