What's happened
The Taliban have resumed public lashings in Afghanistan, with at least 19 people being lashed for crimes including adultery, theft, and running away from home.
Why it matters
The resumption of public lashings and the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law are significant events that highlight the group's disregard for human rights and the potential for a return to the brutal practices of their previous rule. The UN's warning that the Taliban's treatment of women and girls may amount to a crime against humanity underscores the gravity of the situation.
What the papers say
The sources agree that the Taliban have resumed public lashings and that the punishments were carried out in front of hundreds of spectators, including scholars and elders. They also agree that the Taliban's supreme leader has ordered judges to fully enforce aspects of Islamic law, including public executions, stonings, floggings, and the amputation of limbs for thieves. The sources differ in the number of people lashed and the specific crimes for which they were punished.
How we got here
The Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021 and initially promised to be more moderate and allow for women's and minority rights. However, they have gradually clamped down on rights and freedoms, including a ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade. The UN has warned that the Taliban's treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan may amount to a crime against humanity and should be investigated and prosecuted under international law.
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