Taliban courts flog nine people including three women in Parwan and Uruzgan

The Taliban Supreme Court in Parwan and Uruzgan provinces ordered the flogging of nine people, including three women, on charges of "extramarital relations" and "disrespect to father," according to a Taliban announcement. The individuals received between 30 and 39 lashes each and suspended prison sentences of one to four years.

In Bagram district of Parwan province, three women and five men were publicly flogged for "immoral relations." The announcement provided no further details on the charges but noted the Taliban's stance that any relations between unrelated men and women constitute a crime. Separately, one person was flogged in central Uruzgan for "disrespect to father." These sentences were implemented after approval by the Taliban Supreme Court.

Over the past five days, the Taliban has flogged at least 73 people across Afghanistan on various charges, continuing corporal punishments despite opposition from international organizations. The group maintains these measures enforce "Islamic Sharia."

Stephen Schneck, a senior official with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, described the Taliban's recently introduced penal code as a "deep cause for concern," threatening religious freedom and human rights. He said the document accepts only the Taliban's interpretation of Hanafi Islam, marginalizing other faiths and sects, and justifies killing opponents, recognizes slavery, and criminalizes behaviors like dancing, conflicting with international law.

The penal code includes provisions for executions, flogging, and amputations for various crimes, along with death penalties for opponents and recognition of slavery. Schneck added that the treatment of women and girls outlined in the code amounts to slavery and violates international standards. He urged designating Afghanistan a "country of particular concern" to pave the way for broader sanctions against the Taliban.