Women who commit adultery are stoned to death under Taliban law, but because Farzana was not married the sentence for having an illicit affair was 100 lashes, the Taliban explained. Also Friday, nine men convicted of gambling, which also is illegal, were given 39 lashes. Four of the men wailed and cried, and Taliban police had to hold their arms and legs while another administered the beating, witnesses said. After beating both Farzana and her mother, Sadik slammed Western criticism of the Taliban's treatment of women, saying that its laws protect their honor. In Taliban territory, women cannot work outside the home and girls are banned from schools.
Health care is segregated and often it is difficult for a woman to see a male specialist.