Taliban authorities in Afghanistan on Tuesday publicly executed a man accused of murdering 13 members of a family in Khost, drawing a massive crowd to the sports stadium where the punishment was carried out. This marks the 11th execution since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The man had been accused of killing the members of teen’s family, report said. As per TOI reports, officials asked to the victim’s young relative, a 13 year old boy, asking whether he was ready to pardon the convicted man, Abdul Rahman. 

When the boy refused,  he was placed a weapon in his hand to carry out the killing. Some moments later, the 13 year old boy fired the shots inside khost’s central sports stadium. 

The killing comes as the regime continues to re-enforce strict interpretations of Sharia law, a shift that began after the chaotic withdrawal of US and NATO forces four years ago. Alongside public executions, the enforcement has also included sweeping restrictions most notably the ban on education for women and girls, which remains one of the most criticised measures under Taliban rule.

80,000 People Gathered To Watch The Execution

According to Afghan media, nearly 80,000 people including senior Taliban officials and members of the victims’ family gathered in the stadium to witness the execution. Witnesses told TOLO News that the accused was brought before the crowd after doctors completed formal medical checks. “The complainant then stepped forward and, as permitted under Sharia, fired the shot,” a witness recounted.

Some residents of Khost supported the punishment, arguing that the crime warranted a harsh response. One local said the man had “targeted women and children, and no one should be allowed to commit such brutality.”

The Taliban’s Supreme Court also confirmed that two of the executed man’s sons had been convicted in the same case. However, their executions have been delayed because several heirs of the victims currently live abroad. The court said the verdict for Qisas retaliatory justice under Sharia would be carried out once all legal heirs are present.