Afghanistan Horror: 13-Year-Old Executes Man Who Killed His Family As 80,000 Watch In Taliban Stadium

A public execution in Khost, Afghanistan has drawn global condemnation after a 13-year-old boy shot dead a man convicted of murdering 13 members of his family, including nine children. The execution, carried out on Tuesday, took place in a packed sports stadium before an estimated 80,000 spectators, according to reports from the Associated Press and local Afghan authorities. 

The Taliban confirmed that the killing was conducted under Qisas, the Islamic principle of retribution, after the victim’s family refused any form of reconciliation. Under this system, the family of the deceased has the right to carry out the execution themselves if the court upholds the death sentence.

The Supreme Court said the execution order had passed through a district court, an appeals court, and the top court before being approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The court described the event as “the divine order of Qisas” and noted prayers were offered afterward for national security and stricter implementation of Sharia law.

Crowds Pack Stadium As Gunshots Ring Out

The stadium in Khost was filled to capacity, with tens of thousands more reportedly gathering outside. Videos circulating online show crowds chanting religious slogans as five gunshots ended the convicted man’s life.

The executed man, identified as Mangal, son of Tala Khan, was accused of killing Abdul Rahman and multiple members of his family about 10 months ago in the Ali Shir and Terezio districts. Local officials identified the teenager who committed the execution as the sole surviving member of the massacred family.

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Return Of Public Executions Under The Taliban

This execution is the 11th or 12th public execution since the Taliban regained power in 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Public punishments, including floggings for offenses such as theft and adultery, have also surged. In one recent instance, at least 63 people were publicly flogged.

Human rights groups warn that the Taliban courts do not meet the international standards of due process and are not transparent. 

Hours before the execution took place, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, called on the Taliban to stop the execution: "Public executions are inhumane, cruel and contravene international law."

Reports received of an imminent public execution in Khost #Afghanistan this morning. Public executions are inhumane, a cruel and unusual punishment, and contrary to international law. It should be halted.

— UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) December 2, 2025

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