A convicted murderer was publicly executed at a stadium in eastern Afghanistan, witnesses told AFP on Tuesday, an act condemned as “inhumane” by UN human rights officials. The Supreme Court identified the executed individual as Mangal. Observers reported that a family member of one of the victims made off with three shots, with thousands of people present to witness the event. The court described the execution as a “retaliatory punishment” following an extensive review of the case. “The families of the victims were offered amnesty and peace, but they refused,” the court said. Local resident Mujib Rahman Rahmani suggested the execution could serve as a deterrent, stating, “No one will dare to kill anyone in the future.” Official notices had encouraged public attendance at the event. According to reports, Mangal was among several individuals who attacked a residence in January 2025, resulting in ten fatalities, including three women. Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, condemned the execution on Tuesday, calling it “inhumane, cruel, and an unusual punishment, contrary to international law.” He urged that such actions “must stop.” International outcry Public executions were common during the Taliban’s initial rule from 1996 to 2001, often held in sports venues. This execution marks the 12th public instance since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The previous case, recorded as the 11th, occurred in October in Badghis, with thousands attending, including Taliban officials. Earlier in April, authorities executed four individuals across three provinces simultaneously. The Taliban continue to implement physical punishments, including flogging, for offences such as theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption. All executions are authorised by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, based in Kandahar. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have criticised Afghanistan’s use of physical and capital punishment. Amnesty’s April annual report highlighted that death sentences in Afghanistan were imposed through proceedings that “did not meet international fair trial standards.”
