The Taliban’s Supreme Court says four people, including two women, were publicly flogged in Balkh province after being convicted of what the group described as “illicit relations.” The individuals received between 20 and 39 lashes each.

In a statement on Wednesday, the court said the punishments were carried out in the presence of judicial, military and civilian officials, local elders, court visitors and members of the public.

According to recent Taliban court announcements, at least 66 people have been flogged nationwide over the past two weeks.

Despite strong opposition from international organisations to corporal punishment and the mistreatment of detainees, the Taliban continues to administer public floggings, describing the practice as the “implementation of Islamic Sharia.”