Taliban 2.0 announce first public execution, of a man who killed another 5 years ago
Ever since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on August 15 last year, December 7, 2022 was the first time they carried out a public execution. The execution took place in a sports stadium in western Farah province, in front of many Taliban leaders and high-level judges.
The executed man was shot three times with an assaut rifle, by the victim's father. The decision comes weeks after judges were instructed to fully enforce Sharia law by Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's supreme leader. He also issued a directive last month, directing judges to impose punishments that may include public executions, amputations, and stoning.
According to the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the executive decision was made 'very carefully'.
NPR reports that Zabihullah Mujahid said the decision was following approval by three of the country's highest courts and the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.
What was the crime? The executed man, Tajmir from the Herat province, was convicted of killing a man and taking his motorcycle and cell phone five years ago. Mustafa, from the adjacent Farah province, was recognised as the victim. According to Mustafa's mother, Taliban leaders pleaded with her to forgive the man, but she insisted on his execution.
What did the UN have to say?
#Afghanistan’s de facto authorities announced the public execution of a man in Farah province today.
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) December 7, 2022
The UN strongly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, and calls on de facto authorities to establish immediate moratorium with a view to abolishing the death penalty.