The Taliban Supreme Court on Wednesday announced the public execution of a convicted murderer in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Paktia.

Taliban officials and residents observed the execution, which took place in a sports stadium in the regional capital Gardez.

In a statement, the Supreme Court identified the convicted murderer as Ayaz Asad, a local resident of the province who had intentionally killed another Afghan using a Kalashnikov rifle.

The execution was carried out after the victim’s family declined an offer of forgiveness. The court’s statement did not specify the motive for the crime.

The sentence was handed down in accordance with an Islamic law principle known as Qisas, which allows for retaliation in kind in cases where the victim or their family seeks punishment.

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has seen the reintroduction of corporal punishment, including executions and public flogging, for crimes such as murder, robbery and adultery.

This recent public execution marks the sixth since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

The United Nations has criticized the Taliban’s use of corporal punishment, saying it violates the UN Convention against Torture and has called for an end to the practice.

Despite international criticisms, the Taliban government has defended this form of punishment, saying they are in line with the country’s law and necessary to ensure security and safety for the public. (dpa/NAN)