Taliban flog 65 men in Orakzai

Men accused of selling and using drugs were ‘awarded’ 10 lashes each.

KALAYA:

Taliban publicly flogged 65 men on charges of using and selling drugs, the outlawed group said on Monday.

The men were given 10 lashes each in the town of Mamozai in Orakzai Agency, said Taliban spokesperson Hafiz Saeed.

“They were found guilty of using and selling drugs after which our… court sentenced them to punishment that was carried out in public,” said Saeed.

Despite government assertions to the contrary, the floggings demonstrate how Taliban are still able to impose their harsh interpretation of Islam at will in some parts of tribal areas.

An Orakzai tribesman said about 600 people watched the lashings after Taliban asked local people to attend the lashings by making announcements via mosque loudspeakers. People often comply with Taliban “orders” out of fear, although the group does have that many supporters.

“The (accused) men were brought in groups of five and were lashed 10 times each before being released,” said tribesmen, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. In March, troops launched an offensive in Orakzai, which officials described as the nerve centre for Taliban, consisting of training camps.

Military officials said last week the assault broke the back of the militants in 90 per cent of the Orakzai tribal agency. Mamozai is still held by Taliban. Attacks continue in areas captured by the army.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.