The Gauntlet was a form of execution in the nation of Cartann.
Whoever the reigning perator declared an exile and ordered to go through the gauntlet could be killed legally by anyone without any repercussions. The only way to escape was to reach the place designated by the perator by any means necessary.
During New Republic starfighter unit Red Flight's diplomatic mission to the planet Adumar, they were ordered by the acting perator to go through the gauntlet due to General Wedge Antilles's refusal to lead the forces of Cartann against the other nations.