Afghan Supreme Court Enforces Hundreds of Islamic Punishments Amid International Criticism

The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has imposed 340 punishments under Islamic law over four months, ignoring international criticisms. The rulings, contended by Afghanistan's National Lawyers Association, were defended by religious scholars citing a need for strict Sharia enforcement to maintain order and eliminate crimes such as corruption and looting.

The Supreme Court of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has recently enforced 340 discretionary punishments across 27 provinces, including the capital city, Kabul. This action targets individuals accused of various crimes and has been carried out over the last four months, according to court spokesperson Abdul Rahim Rashid.

Addressing international criticisms, Rashid underscored the court's unwavering commitment to implementing punishments and Islamic hudud laws in accordance with Sharia. He dismissed foreign criticism, emphasizing that all court decisions align strictly with Islamic injunctions.

Concerns have been raised by Mir Abdul Wahid Sadat, president of the Afghanistan National Lawyers Association, regarding the implementation process's adherence to offenders' rights, such as legal representation. Meanwhile, religious scholar Haseebullah Hanafi defended the court, stating that strict punishments are necessary for eradicating crime and fully implementing Sharia in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)