Fazl Ahmad Manawi, Afghanistan’s former justice minister, has described the Taliban’s killing of seven men accused of theft in Kabul as an “extrajudicial execution,” saying the act violates Islamic law, legal principles, human rights standards, and human dignity.

The Taliban had earlier announced that seven men, whom they described as “armed robbers,” were killed during a clash with the group’s forces in Kabul’s Police District 8.

In a Facebook post published on Monday, Manawi described the incident as an “arbitrary killing,” writing that “such an act is condemned and unacceptable under Sharia, the law, ethics, and international human rights standards.”

He added that, under both Islamic jurisprudence and legal principles, the presumption of innocence applies and “no one can be considered guilty based solely on an accusation.”

The former justice minister stressed that deprivation of life is permissible only after a fair trial, proof of guilt, and a final verdict issued by a competent and independent court. “Any execution or killing carried out without these legal procedures constitutes an arbitrary killing and an extrajudicial execution,” he said.

Manawi warned that the continuation of such practices and the impunity of those responsible endanger the lives and property of citizens while creating an atmosphere of fear and silence. “Security built on intimidation, repression, and the elimination of opponents is not genuine security, but rather a manifestation of ظلم and lawlessness,” he said.

He also called on the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and governments to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

The Taliban’s Account

Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Kabul Police Command, announced on 2 August that seven men identified by the Taliban as “armed robbers” were killed in the Estankzai Blocks area of Kabul’s Police District 8 during an exchange of fire with Taliban forces.

According to Zadran, the clash began at around 9:00 p.m. after the suspects allegedly opened fire on Taliban forces. He said one Taliban member was also wounded in the incident.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have repeatedly reported the killing of individuals accused of criminal offenses during security operations. In many of these cases, no information has been made public regarding judicial proceedings, access to legal representation, or whether the accused were brought before a court.