UN calls on Taliban to end public executions, lashings and stonings in Afghanistan

A Taliban security personnel stands guard as Muslim devotees arrive to offer Eid al-Fitr prayers, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at Omar mosque in Kandahar on April 21, 2023. (SANAULLAH SEIAM/AFP via Getty Images) The United Nations slammed the Taliban on Monday for continuing its use of public executions, lashings and stonings since taking control of Afghanistan nearly two years ago.According to a report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, 274 men, 58 women and two boys have been publicly flogged in Afghanistan over the past six months.

Most punishments were in connection with convictions of adultery and running away from home. Other alleged offenses included theft, homosexuality, consuming alcohol, fraud and drug trafficking.The U.N.

has called on the Taliban to immediately suspend its executions."Corporal punishment is a violation of the Convention against Torture and must cease," U.N.

Human Rights Chief Fiona Frazer said.US MARINE CORPS WHO LOST LEGS IN AFGHANISTAN SAYS A NONPROFIT HELPED HIM STAY ALIVEThe Taliban foreign ministry responded by saying Afghanistan’s laws are made in accordance with Islamic rules and guidelines, and that an overwhelming majority of Afghans follow the rules, according to The Associated Press."In the event of a conflict between international human rights law and Islamic law, the government is obliged to follow the Islamic law," the ministry said in a statement.The Taliban began carrying out these punishments after gaining power in the country in 2021.