In a stern message aired on state television,
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada addressed Western officials, dismissing concerns about violating women’s rights by implementing severe punishments, such as stoning and public floggings.
“We will soon enforce the punishment for adultery by stoning women to death and publicly flogging them,” Akhundzada declared, marking his strongest rhetoric since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. These remarks, reportedly from Akhundzada, were broadcasted by Afghanistan’s state TV, now controlled by the Taliban, with Akhundzada believed to be situated in southern Kandahar, the group’s stronghold.
Despite initial pledges of a more moderate governance, the Taliban swiftly returned to harsh public penalties reminiscent of their previous rule in the late 1990s, including public executions and floggings. The United Nations has strongly condemned these actions, urging the Taliban to halt such practices.
In his address, Akhundzada asserted that the women’s rights advocated by the international community contradicted the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. He questioned whether women desired rights that went against Sharia and clerical opinions, those who opposed Western democracy.
Akhundzada stressed the resilience of Taliban fighters, encouraging them to persistently oppose women’s rights. “We have fought against you for 20 years, and we will continue to fight against you for 20 more,” he declared.
His remarks have sparked outrage among Afghans, with many calling for increased international pressure on the Taliban.
“The humanitarian aid they receive from the international community only strengthens their oppressive stance against women,” lamented Tala, a former civil servant from Kabul.
“As a woman in Afghanistan, I feel unsafe and insecure. Each day brings new restrictions and harsh rules for women, diminishing our hopes for a better future,” she added.
“We, women, feel trapped, and the Taliban are making our situation worse with each passing day,” Tala emphasized.
