By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Tuesday, the Taliban publicly executed a man in Khost stadium, convicted of murdering 13 members of a family, including children. This execution, the eleventh since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, followed a death sentence approved by the Supreme Court and Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The execution was carried out by a relative of the victims, who had rejected reconciliation. The UN condemned the execution, citing its cruelty and violation of international law, and highlighted concerns about due process within the Taliban’s justice system.
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Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers carry out public execution in sports stadium, and it’s a stark reminder of how history can sometimes repeat itself with unsettling accuracy. It’s difficult not to be taken aback by the fact that in 2025, we’re witnessing public executions in sports stadiums, a scene that feels like something out of a historical drama, not a modern world. The details provided paint a grim picture: a man convicted of killing 13 people, including children, executed by a relative of the victims, a scenario highlighting the brutal realities of their justice system. The victims’ families were given a chance to spare the man’s life through reconciliation, but chose the death penalty instead.
The fact that this is the 11th death penalty carried out by the Taliban since they took power in 2021 is a sobering statistic. Compared with the 122 executions carried out by the United States during the same period, it’s a comparison that underscores the stark contrast in approaches to justice, even though both countries practice capital punishment. This repetition of the past, this return to public executions, certainly evokes feelings of disbelief and disappointment, raising questions about the progress, or lack thereof, in certain parts of the world.
Considering the historical context, the implementation of Sharia law by the Taliban is what’s behind the public executions and the restrictions on women’s education and employment. The impact of such a restrictive interpretation of Islamic law is clear, creating a society far removed from the advancements and ideals of a more modern world. The juxtaposition of the modern world with the medieval practices is jarring, and it is impossible to ignore the role religion plays in these events.
The case of the executed man is a particularly difficult one because of the heinous nature of his crime, killing 13, including children. While the act is undeniably gruesome, the execution underscores the harsh reality of their justice system and the choices available to victims’ families. It’s a difficult topic to unpack, and it highlights how culture and tradition can clash with our modern values. It also brings up questions of whether we should intervene or let them proceed in their own way, even if that way seems archaic and unjust. The idea that there are people out there who support this style of justice, or would like to see it here, is shocking.
Thinking about potential solutions, the failures of past military interventions, combined with the apparent support the Taliban has, even if a majority support them. While it’s sad, it appears the only chance for change is an organic one, originating from within the Afghan community. There’s a concern that this could spread, or that others might adopt these practices. It makes you wonder how we have progressed at all when faced with such practices.
The reactions within the communities, the lack of widespread condemnation from certain Muslim groups, creates more confusion. Why aren’t those in neighboring countries speaking up? This silence can be taken as tacit approval or simply a case of looking the other way.
It is disheartening, and it evokes a sense of deja vu. It’s a return to practices that we might have thought were left behind. This makes you question the potential of humanity and progress. The stark contrast between the past and the present reminds us that the world is not always moving forward, and there are pockets of society where progress seems to have stalled.
It’s a reminder of the complexities of the world, where justice, religion, and cultural traditions intersect in ways that are often difficult to understand. The execution is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are underlying layers of human rights concerns and cultural differences that need to be addressed.