Chilling Public Execution in Afghanistan: 13-Year-Old Reportedly Pulled Trigger Before 80,000 Spectators

Chilling Public Execution in Afghanistan: 13-Year-Old Reportedly Pulled Trigger Before 80,000 Spectators

A deeply disturbing event unfolded recently in Afghanistan, where an estimated 80,000 people gathered in Khost's central stadium to witness a public execution. What made the spectacle even more harrowing were reports suggesting that the fatal shot was fired by a 13-year-old boy.

The Horrifying Details of the Execution

Local reports, cited by Amu TV, detailed the horrific scene in the eastern province of Khost. The executed man, identified locally as Abdul Rahman, son of Zabit, was accused of murdering members of the teen's family. Prior to the execution, Taliban officials reportedly presented the 13-year-old relative with a choice: pardon the convicted man or carry out the punishment. Upon the boy's refusal to grant a pardon, a weapon was placed in his hands, and he was instructed to proceed with the killing. Moments later, he fired the shots that ended the man's life.

The public nature of the execution was underscored by official efforts to encourage attendance. Notices circulated on Monday explicitly invited residents to witness the event.

Taliban's Official Account and Judicial Process

However, the Taliban’s supreme court offered a slightly different account regarding the identities involved. They identified the executed individual as Mangal, son of Talah Khan, found guilty of murdering Abdul Rahman with a Kalashnikov rifle. The court stated that Mangal received a “retaliatory punishment” after his case underwent “thorough and repeated reviews” through primary, appeals, and high courts. It further clarified that the victims' families were offered amnesty and peace, which they declined. The execution was ultimately authorized by the Taliban’s supreme leader.

According to the court, the convicted man originated from Sanjak village in Paktia’s Syed Karam district but had been residing in Khost’s Ali Shir and Terezio districts.