Under the title "First Punishment for a Car Thief Arrested by the Taliban in the Capital," the Arabic website reported that life in Afghanistan may not return to what it was for the past 20 years, based on various indications, including images and videos shared by "Al Arabiya.net."
The footage showed an Afghan man, apparently in his twenties, subjected to public humiliation in the street, marking the first punishment enacted by the Taliban since they took control of most of the country starting last Sunday. This incident reflects a mentality that seems to leap from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century, bypassing the 19th century. The public shaming of the young man occurred without trial to verify the charges against him.
The video was broadcasted by the Afghan news agency "Aswaka," along with a brief note stating that the unnamed individual is accused of car theft. In the video, his face was covered in black paint by his punishers, who also tied his hands behind his back and hung him up for passersby to see. A crowd gathered to take pictures while the police regulated traffic in Kabul, giving the impression that life had returned to normal in the capital.
"People are afraid of the unknown in Afghanistan." Despite the Taliban announcing a "general amnesty for all state officials" and inviting them to resume their normal daily lives, trust in tense Kabul remains low, according to reports reviewed by "Al Arabiya.net."
These reports indicate that although shops have reopened and movement has resumed with people returning to the streets, many still feel anxious. An Afghan businessman, whose name was not mentioned by the French press agency yesterday, summarized his thoughts in a few words, stating, "People are afraid of the unknown in Afghanistan, where the Taliban patrols the cities in small convoys, even though they do not disturb anyone." He added that very few women dare to appear in public places, and men's clothing has shifted from Western styles to traditional attire known to Afghans as "Shalwar Qamiz," which are loose-fitting garments.
