Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Reporter on Human Rights in Afghanistan, called for a halt to public executions by the Taliban
Bennett said that executing individuals in public view is an “inhumane and cruel” act and is contrary to international law.
He made these remarks in response to a statement from the Taliban governor’s office in Khost. The statement had announced that an individual was scheduled to be executed today (Tuesday) at the Khost sports club.
Bennett had previously strongly condemned the implementation of the death penalty in Afghanistan, stating that the application of the death penalty, as well as other corporal punishments by the Taliban, which are carried out publicly, “constitute a clear violation of international law.”
The Taliban had executed two individuals in Badghis and two others in Farah and Nimroz provinces on April 11th on charges of “premeditated murder.”
Despite global reactions, the group has so far not backed down from its position on corporal punishments.
