New Delhi: The Taliban authorities on Wednesday carried out the first public execution since they took over Afghanistan last year, news agency AP reported.
According to the report, a man was executed at a crowded sports stadium in south-western Farah province after he confessed to murder. Several leaders, including some top ministers in their government attended the hanging.
Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, charged with imposing the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, was also present during the execution. However, Prime Minster Hasan Akhund did not attend, said a statement released by the authorities.
The decision to carry out the punishment was “made very carefully,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the top Taliban government spokesman. The decision was approved by three of the country’s highest courts and the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.
According to the AP report, the executed man, identified as Tajmir from Herat province, was convicted of murdering another man five years back and stealing his motorcycle and mobile phone. The victim was identified as Mustafa from neighbouring Farah province.
The Taliban security forces arrested Tajmir after the victim’s family accused him of the crime, said a statement from Mujahid.
However, the statement did not say when the arrest took place but added that Tajmir had allegedly confessed to the murder.
As per a BBC report, ahead of the execution, a public notice was issued publicising the event and "asking all citizens to join us in the sport field".
It is to be noted that during their regime from 1996-2001, the Taliban were condemned for regularly carrying out punishments in public, including executions at the national stadium in Kabul.
The Taliban had initially promised to be more moderate and allow women’s rights. However, since their takeover, freedom of women has been severely curbed.