Women will be stoned to death in public for adultery, announces Taliban chief
The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan has stirred deep concerns as Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's leader, announced draconian measures in a recent voice message aired on state television.
Akhundzada declared that women in Afghanistan would face public flogging and stoning to death for adultery, raising fears about a regression to harsh practices reminiscent of the Taliban's previous rule.
According to reports, Akhundzada emphasized the Taliban's staunch opposition to Western democracy and women's rights supported by the international community, asserting that these rights contradict the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
In his address, Akhundzada dismissed Western notions of women's rights, stating, “Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about? They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy.”
He defiantly proclaimed the Taliban's enduring resistance against Western influence, declaring, “We will bring Sharia to this land. It did not finish [when you left]. It does not mean we would now just sit and drink tea. We will bring Sharia into action.”
Akhundzada's words, including threats of public flogging and stoning, have sparked outrage among Afghans, particularly women, who fear a resurgence of oppressive practices from the Taliban's previous rule.
Former civil servant Tala from Kabul expressed deep apprehension, describing a sense of confinement and growing restrictions on women's freedom and rights. "As a woman, I don’t feel safe and secure in Afghanistan.
Each morning starts with a barrage of notices and orders imposing restrictions and stringent rules on women," Tala lamented.
The Taliban's promises of a more moderate government upon their return to power have proven hollow as they swiftly re-impose harsh measures reminiscent of their previous rule, drawing strong condemnation from the international community. The United Nations has called on the Taliban's leadership to halt these regressive actions and uphold human rights in Afghanistan.
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