Afghan Thief's Body Parts Amputated

AP, April 23, 1999

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Doctors, their faces hidden by white surgical masks, amputated the hand and foot of a convicted thief on Friday before thousands of people gathered at the Kabul Sports Stadium, eyewitnesses said.

A man identified only as Shoaib was convicted of stealing $9,600 from three different businessmen. According to Taliban officials, who presided over the amputation, Shoaib stopping people on the highway and took their money.

In the 90 percent of Afghanistan ruled by the Taliban religious army a harsh brand of Islamic law has been imposed. The Taliban publicly execute those convicted of murder and amputate the limbs of thieves. People are publicly beaten for lesser crimes.

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