UN Condemns Taliban’s Public Executions as Tools of Control

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, condemned the public executions by the Taliban, describing them as tools for instilling fear and controlling society. He urged the Taliban to immediately halt all executions…

Continued Violations of Human Rights

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has recently reacted to the ongoing public executions in the country by accusing the Taliban of intending to create terror and social control through these punishments.

In a statement, Bennett referred to a recent execution in Badghis province as a troubling example of the continued serious human rights violations in Afghanistan. He emphasized that execution is an inhumane act under any circumstances, but when conducted within the framework of the Taliban’s judicial system—which he claims lacks independence and fair legal processes—such actions take on more dangerous dimensions.

Urgent Call to Halt Executions

The UN official called on the Taliban to immediately stop all death penalties and remain committed to international human rights obligations. Bennett added that the continuation of this practice could have severe repercussions for Afghanistan’s international standing.

Taliban’s Claims About Judicial Processes

Last week, the Taliban announced that they executed an individual accused of murder in Badghis province. According to the Taliban’s Supreme Court, the case was initially reviewed, and a final verdict was issued after the appellate process.

However, local sources and some families of those executed have reported to the media that the accused were not allowed to defend themselves or access legal representation, raising further concerns among human rights organizations.

History of Public Executions This Year

In the month of Hamal this year, the Taliban executed four individuals in Badghis, Farah, and Nimroz provinces in front of an audience. The UN and international human rights organizations at that time condemned this action as a blatant violation of the right to life and an indication of the return to repressive policies.