The Kabul Tribune (KT) — A United Nations human rights expert has condemned a public execution in Khost province after reports indicated that a 13-year-old boy carried out the killing before thousands of spectators in a sports stadium.
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett wrote on X that “today’s
public execution of a man in a sports stadium in Khost was reportedly carried
out by a 13-year-old boy and seen by thousands, including young children.” He
said such executions are a gross violation of human rights and dignity and are incompatible
with Islamic law.
The execution is part of the Taliban’s continued use of
public punishments, including floggings and executions, since returning to
power in 2021 — actions that have drawn repeated criticism from rights groups
and international organizations.
Bennett urged an immediate halt to public executions in
Afghanistan and expressed concern about the long-term psychological impact on
communities, especially children who witnessed the incident.
