On 2/12, a 13-year-old boy publicly executed Mangal, the man responsible for killing 13 members of his family, in Afghanistan's Khost province. The execution, announced by Afghanistan's Supreme Court, was carried out under a "Qisas" (blood for blood) sentence as per Sharia law. Approximately 80,000 people gathered at a stadium to witness the event. The boy reportedly fired three shots, prompting chants of "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) from the crowd. Although Taliban officials reportedly prohibited spectators from bringing camera-equipped phones into the stadium, videos captured from outside revealed the massive gathering.

Outside the stadium where Mangal's public execution took place in Khost province, Afghanistan. Video: X/Nilofar Ayoubi.

Mangal's death sentence was upheld by three levels of Afghan courts and ultimately approved by Supreme Leader Hibatulla Akhundzada. Taliban officials stated that the victim's family was offered the option to pardon Mangal, but they steadfastly insisted on the execution.

This marked the 11th execution carried out under Sharia law since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Under this strict interpretation of Islamic law, crimes such as murder, adultery, and theft can result in punishments including death, amputation, or flogging.

The execution in Khost proceeded despite international calls for a halt, including an appeal from Richard Bennet, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. Bennet condemned the act, stating, "Public executions are inhumane, cruel, and violate international law."

By Duc Trung (Sources: Amu TV, AP, Independent)