Taliban Conducts 6th Public Execution Since 2021: A Return to Violent Justice

On Wednesday, a convicted murderer, Mohammad Ayaz Asad, was executed publicly in Gardez, Afghanistan, marking the sixth such execution under Taliban rule since their return to power in 2021. Asad was shot three times in the chest in front of thousands of spectators, including high-level Taliban officials, after being found guilty of murder. This public execution is part of the Taliban's broader push to enforce their strict interpretation of Islamic law, including the controversial "qisas" law, which calls for retaliation punishments.

The Taliban's Return to Brutal Punishments

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, there has been a disturbing resurgence of severe punishments, including public executions, floggings, and amputations. The group has increasingly implemented corporal punishments for crimes such as theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption, practices that have drawn harsh criticism from international human rights organizations.

The Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law, particularly its "qisas" code, allows for punishment that mirrors the crime, including the death penalty for murder. In the case of Asad, the execution was carried out by a member of the victim’s family, a practice that the Taliban has upheld in an effort to fulfill their strict version of justice. The event was not only a punishment but also a public spectacle intended to serve as a deterrent for others, an approach that recalls the brutal justice of the Taliban’s first reign from 1996 to 2001.

Global Reactions and Concerns

The return of public executions has sparked widespread outrage. International human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the use of the death penalty and corporal punishment under the Taliban’s rule. Critics argue that these practices not only violate basic human rights but also create an atmosphere of fear and repression, stifling any hope for reform or reconciliation within Afghan society.

While the Taliban justifies their actions as a means to restore law and order, many around the world see these acts as a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of life and human dignity. The United Nations has repeatedly called for the Taliban to end these inhumane practices, yet their power remains largely unchecked, especially as the international community continues to navigate complex diplomatic relations with the regime.

The Role of the Taliban’s Leadership in These Executions

This latest execution underscores the Taliban leadership's commitment to enforcing their brand of justice, which is rooted in a radical interpretation of Sharia law. The involvement of high-ranking Taliban officials in the execution, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, signals the regime’s direct involvement in these acts, rather than a passive approach to law enforcement.

Furthermore, the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, personally signed the execution order, further reinforcing the centralization of power within the Taliban’s leadership. This top-down approach to governance and justice is a hallmark of their rule, where decisions are often made without public consultation or the rule of law as it is understood by much of the world.

The Specter of Public Executions Under the Taliban

Public executions were a hallmark of the Taliban’s first rule in Afghanistan, and since their return to power, these executions have started to return with alarming frequency. In February 2024, three men were executed publicly, marking the largest wave of executions in over two decades. The Taliban’s approach is not only a display of their power but also an attempt to show their authority and control over a population that has lived through years of conflict, economic instability, and foreign intervention.

Despite these brutal measures, there is little indication that the international community will be able to change the Taliban's trajectory in the short term. While countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union have condemned these practices, they have yet to take significant steps that would force the Taliban to alter its policies.

A Troubling Legacy of Violence

Afghanistan’s return to Taliban rule has brought with it a resurgence of violence, as the group continues to enforce its severe form of justice on a population that has already endured years of war and instability. For many Afghans, the return of public executions and harsh punishment is a grim reminder of the country’s past, one where human rights were routinely violated under the guise of religious and political ideology.

As the Taliban continues to consolidate power, the fate of Afghanistan’s people remains uncertain. Public executions are but one piece of a larger picture, and their return to prominence only deepens the divide between Afghanistan and the rest of the world. Whether or not the international community can hold the Taliban accountable for their actions remains to be seen, but for now, the execution of Mohammad Ayaz Asad serves as a chilling reminder of the regime’s brutal approach to justice.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com