KABUL: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has expressed deep concern over the significant increase in public punishments in Afghanistan, warning of blatant violations of international law.
In a message on his X account, Bennett stated that at least 63 men and 4 women were whipped in public by the Taliban just last week.
He described these punishments as “gross violations of international law,” noting that
“harsh penalties have alarmingly increased in 2025.”
Bennett emphasized that the Taliban must not be normalized, and no Afghan refugees should be forcibly returned to the country.
The UN and human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Taliban to cease imposing cruel punishments. However, these actions continue under the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Sharia law.
