💨 Abstract

The Taliban's leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a decree banning public criticism of the regime, further restricting free speech in Afghanistan. The order warns of public punishment for unfounded allegations. Public flogging and other corporal punishments have increased since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. In 2025, over 1,000 people, including 150 women, were publicly executed or flogged.

Courtesy: theprint.in