The Taliban's Supreme Court said that it publicly flogged two men in Khost province on charges of having same-sex relations.

The court said that it had sentenced the individuals to 30 and 35 lashes and sentenced them to one year and one year and six months in prison each.

The Taliban's Supreme Court wrote in a statement on Tuesday (October 15) that the individuals were punished in the presence of officials of the group's local court in Khost, clients, and the general public.

Earlier this morning, the Taliban's Supreme Court announced the punishment of five people, including a woman, in Maidan Wardak province. The court said it had punished each of the men with 25 lashes on charges of "illicit relations" and robbery.

Despite international demands, the Taliban have continued to inflict corporal punishment and torture on defendants in public.

International human rights organisations have complained about the trial process of individuals by Taliban courts, criticising the defendants' lack of access to a lawyer and a fair trial.