The Taliban carried out a public execution in Khost, Afghanistan, of a man convicted of killing 13 members of a family, including nine children, earlier this year.

Tens of thousands attended the execution at a stadium, making it the 11th public execution since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan condemned the execution as inhumane and a violation of international law, the AP has reported.

The Supreme Court said the death sentence was confirmed by multiple courts and approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, and that the victims’ relatives chose the execution over forgiveness.

The Taliban’s return to power has seen a revival of public punishments under a strict interpretation of Sharia law, alongside restrictions on women’s education and employment.