Sun Apr 13 17:11:08 UTC 2025: ## Taliban Leader Defends Public Executions in Afghanistan Amidst International Condemnation
**Kabul, Afghanistan –** The Taliban carried out the highest number of public executions in a single day since regaining power in 2021, killing four men convicted of murder in Afghan sports stadiums on Friday. This action has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations.
In response to the international outrage, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada defended the executions, asserting that they are a necessary component of Islamic law. In a recent audio address, Akhundzada stated that Islam demands the enforcement of divine punishments and that the Taliban’s actions are solely focused on implementing Islamic law, not seeking power or wealth. He rejected all criticism surrounding the executions, which followed a Supreme Court ruling and the refusal of victims’ families to grant amnesty.
Akhundzada’s comments are particularly noteworthy given the Taliban’s recent efforts to improve relations with the international community, including the West. The United States recently lifted bounties on several senior Taliban figures, and the Taliban have released four American prisoners this year. This apparent attempt at normalization of ties contrasts sharply with the ongoing human rights concerns arising from the public executions.
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