UN Rights Expert Calls for End to Taliban’s Public Executions in Afghanistan

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

Call for Immediate Suspension of Executions

In his latest response to the trend of public executions in Afghanistan, Bennett accused the Taliban of using these methods to create terror and enforce social control. In a recent statement, he highlighted a recent execution in Badghis province as a troubling example of the ongoing serious human rights violations in the country. He emphasized that executions are inhumane under any circumstances, but when carried out within the context of the Taliban’s judicial system—devoid of independence and fair legal processes—the situation becomes even more alarming.

International Obligations at Stake

Bennett urged the Taliban to immediately cease all capital punishment and adhere to international human rights commitments. He warned that the continuation of such practices could have severe implications for Afghanistan’s international reputation.

Claims of Judicial Process by the Taliban

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 in the initial stages of appeal and review before the final judgment was made. However, local sources and families of the executed individuals have reported to media outlets that the defendants were not allowed to defend themselves or access legal representation, raising significant concerns among human rights organizations.

History of Public Executions This Year

In the month of Hamal earlier this year, the Taliban executed four individuals in the provinces of Badghis, Farah, and Nimroz before the eyes of the public. At that time, the United Nations and international human rights bodies deemed the act a blatant violation of the right to life and a clear indication of the return of repressive policies.