Taliban resume public executions as convicted murderer is executed in Afghanistan’s Paktiya Province

A convicted murderer was publicly executed at Gardez Stadium in Afghanistan’s Paktiya Province on Wednesday, in front of thousands of spectators.

The Taliban-appointed Supreme Court approved the execution in accordance with Sharia law, which required that the convicted man be shot in a manner mirroring his crime. The execution was carried out by a relative of the victim, who shot the man three times in the chest.

The Taliban’s top leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, approved the death sentence, while Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani was reportedly present at the stadium.

The move is seen as part of the Taliban’s return to its hardline practices, which include public executions, restrictions on women, and strict controls over cultural and social behaviors.

Since the Taliban regained power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces, Afghanistan has witnessed a revival of extreme measures reminiscent of the group’s 1996-2001 rule. In addition to public executions, the Taliban have banned music, restricted women’s rights, and imposed penalties on men who shave or trim their beards.