Taliban promises human rights while also refusing to rule out brutal punishments
The Taliban regained control of Kabul on Monday, celebrating in the presidential office as the rest of the world looks on with worried eyes. A spokesperson for the military group has said that amputations, stonings and executions will not be ruled out as punishments.
Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the Taliban, said that extreme punishments “[Are] up to the religious followers and the courts. They will decide about the punishment.”
Conflict in Afghanistan is forcing hundreds of thousands to flee amid reports of serious human rights violations.
All abuses must stop.
International humanitarian law and human rights, especially the hard-won gains of women and girls, must be preserved.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 15, 2021
Asked specifically about the chopping off of limbs, stonings and state killings, Shaheen told the BBC: “I can’t say right now. It is up to the courts and the judges and the laws.”
The Taliban’s brutal punishments were prominent during their rule. Fears of similar punishments have been circling, especially when it comes to the treatment of women.
“We assure the people, particularly in the city of Kabul, that their properties, their lives are safe.”
Fears over the treatment of women have been circling since the Taliban’s history of treating women as second class citizens is commonly known. They were not allowed access to education or even employment. However, Shaheen has said this is no longer the case.
Listening to Taliban spokesmen, I see absolutely no reason to worry about the rights of women or any other citizens in Afghanistan.#Kabul #TalibanTakeover pic.twitter.com/a3Jx4C9m7E
— advocate ッ (@ChEitizazAshraf) August 16, 2021
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Shaheen said women “will have access to education and work” and be able to leave their homes without male accompaniment.
“We will respect rights of women – our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab.”
Whether the Taliban will honour their promises is yet to be seen. However, many Afghan citizens are not willing to gamble and have fled to the airport which is still under Western control.
People desparately running with the aircrafts. Shocking images from #Kabul airport. Watch!#Taliban #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/jGsArPzozo
— WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021
Related links:
- At least five dead amid Kabul airport chaos as Taliban takes capital
- Taliban enter outskirts of Kabul in move to retake whole of Afghanistan
- Last remaining British troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan
