A convicted murderer named Mangal was publicly executed at a stadium in eastern Afghanistan. Thousands of people were present to watch, including a family member of one of the victims who fired three shots. The Supreme Court said the execution was a “retaliatory punishment” after a thorough review. “The families of the victims were offered amnesty and peace, but they refused,” the court added. Local resident Mujib Rahman Rahmani said the execution might stop future killings, stating, “No one will dare to kill anyone in the future.” Official announcements encouraged public attendance. Mangal was among attackers who killed ten people in a home attack in January 2025, including three women. Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, called the execution “inhumane, cruel, and an unusual punishment, contrary to international law.” He demanded that such executions “must stop.” Public executions were common under the Taliban’s first rule from 1996 to 2001. Since regaining power in 2021, this is the 12th public execution. The 11th happened in October with thousands present in Badghis province. In April, the Taliban executed four people across three provinces simultaneously. The Taliban also punish crimes like theft, adultery, and alcohol use with flogging. All executions are approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have criticized these punishments. Amnesty’s report said death sentences in Afghanistan fail to meet fair trial standards.