This Photo Is Not From the Recent Public Execution in Afghanistan
The Claim
A photo shows Taliban members during the first public execution in Afghanistan.
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Emerging story
Social media users recently widely circulated an image alongside news reporting the first public execution by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading. The photo dates back to at least 2016.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found that several news articles from Afghan and Iranian websites and media outlets featured the photo back in 2016, as can be seen below.
Taliban’s First Public Execution Since Their Comeback
The claim was circulated after Afghanistan saw its first public execution after Taliban’s takeover. Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s spokesman, stated that the executed man was shot three times by the father of his alleged victim. The public execution was attended by senior Taliban officials in southwestern Farah province.
The execution was condemned by human rights organizations all over the world.
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