Whipping in Response to Criticism: Man in Kapisa Punished for Speaking Against the Taliban

Local sources in Kapisa province report that a man has been publicly whipped by the Taliban in the Hesa Awal district of the province for what was described as “propaganda against the government.”

According to a statement released by the Taliban’s Supreme Court, the man was sentenced on July 29 (8th of Asad) to 39 lashes and one year and six months in prison. The punishment was reportedly carried out with the approval of the Supreme Court and in the presence of local Taliban officials.

Since the Taliban’s return to power, nearly 1,200 individuals across Afghanistan have been subjected to corporal punishments, including flogging, for various alleged offenses such as theft, running away from home, illicit relationships, and other accusations. This practice has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and the United Nations, but the Taliban continue to enforce such punishments.

Some Islamic scholars argue that criticizing rulers is not only permissible but also accepted in Islam, and they view violent responses to criticism as contradictory to the essence of the religion.

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, the Taliban have arrested several individuals for online activities, including posting content on social media. Reports indicate that six journalists are among those detained.

Experts say that suppressing dissent under the pretext of religion not only threatens freedom of expression but also signals the instrumental use of religious concepts to consolidate power.