Taliban affirms that stoning will be punishment for adulterers — especially women

"We will flog the women ... we will stone them to death in public [for crimes]," said Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's supreme leader, in an audio message issued on March 24.

Akhundzada – who hasn't been seen in public in a decade – reiterated the group's previous stance on public floggings and stonings, particularly against women.

The audio statement, broadcast on Afghanistan's state radio and television networks, appeared to be directed at the Western and democratic governments that frequently criticize Taliban policies. "You may call it a violation of women's rights when we publicly stone or flog them for committing adultery because they conflict with your democratic principles... [But] I represent Allah, and you represent Satan," Akhundzada said.

The statement raises two questions: Is there any basis for this interpretation of Islamic law?

And does it indicate that the Taliban has been – or will begin – administering this consequence