On Monday, the Taliban conducted a public execution in northern Afghanistan, publicly sentencing a man convicted of murder at a sports stadium, with thousands of spectators present.

This marked the third death sentence carried out in the past five days.

The execution unfolded amidst heavy snowfall in Shibirghan, the capital of Jawzjan province in the north. An eyewitness reported that the brother of the murdered man shot the convict five times with a rifle.

Security measures around the stadium were stringent, according to the witness, who spoke anonymously due to a lack of authorization to speak to the media, the Mirror reported.

This incident marked the fifth public execution since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021, coinciding with the final weeks of the US and NATO troops’ withdrawal after two decades of conflict.

Despite initial assurances of a more moderate governance, the Taliban swiftly began implementing harsh public punishments, including executions, floggings, and stonings.

Written by B.C. Begley