PAN, July 28, 2010

Taliban publicly flog couple for having illicit relations

Watched by a number of people, the flogging happened in the Khuzayee area of Moqur district

Mirwais Himmat

GHAZNI CITY: The Taliban militant publicly flogged a man and a woman on the charge of having illicit relations in the southern province of Ghazni, an eyewitness said on Tuesday.

Watched by a number of people, the flogging happened in the Khuzayee area of Moqur district on Sunday. "The militants knocked them down and awarded each of them 60 lashes," an eyewitness, who did not want to be named, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The incident took place 15 kilometers from the district centre, where the government has no writ. District chief, Sahib Khan, said they had received reports about the incident.

Local Taliban leaders said the flogging was carried out after a thorough investigation into the matter. They added the decision had been taken by the Taliban Shura (council).

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