By Aaior K. Comfort

A Taliban court in Afghanistan’s northern Faryab province publicly flogged a woman accused of having an illegitimate relationship and fleeing from home.

The Taliban’s Supreme Court announced on Monday that the woman received 30 lashes and was sentenced to six months in prison for her actions. In Afghanistan, any sexual relationship outside of marriage is considered illegal.

Girls who run away from home often face severe punishment from their families. The court has intensified these measures since the Taliban’s return to power.

In a separate case in Kandahar over the weekend, two individuals were publicly whipped for committing sodomy. Both received 30 lashes and were sentenced to one year in prison.

Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has reinstated corporal punishment for crimes like murder, robbery, and adultery, including public floggings and executions.

The UN has condemned these actions, calling them a violation of the UN Convention against Torture. However, the Taliban rejects such criticism, asserting that these punishments align with Afghan law and are essential for maintaining public security.