Taliban carries out public execution of two men in western Afghanistan

The Taliban publicly executed two men in the centre of Badghis province on Friday. The executions were authorised by the group’s Supreme Court.

According to an official order issued by the Taliban, the executions were carried out as “Qisas,” a form of retribution sanctioned under Islamic law, for two separate cases of intentional murder. The men – identified as Mohammad Wali and Mohammad Anwar, both residents of Qala-e-Naw city – were convicted of killing Abdul Ahad and Mohammad Asif respectively.

The statement declared that following extensive investigations, judicial hearings, and confirmation of guilt at various court levels, the final order was approved by the Taliban’s supreme leader, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada.

The execution was conducted in the presence of top Taliban officials, including Chief Justice Sheikh Abdul Hakim Haqqani, as well as senior judges, prosecutors and provincial security officials.

Taliban authorities defended the punishment as being in strict accordance with Islamic law and claimed that due process had been followed. The announcement warned that similar punishments would be enforced in future cases to uphold public safety and ensure justice.

“In the centre of Badghis province, the punishment of Qisas (retribution) according to the command of Allah… was carried out on two murderers,” the Taliban’s Supreme Court said.

Since seizing power, the Taliban have reinstated several forms of corporal punishment, including public floggings and executions, despite widespread global condemnation and calls to respect international human rights norms.

The move is part of a wider rollback of civil liberties under Taliban rule. Human rights groups have noted over 70 decrees curbing freedoms, including bans on secondary education for girls, restrictions on female employment, and prohibitions on women accessing parks, gyms, and other public spaces.