I.C.C. Issues Arrest Warrants for Taliban Leaders Due to Women's Persecution

Judges highlight dire circumstances facing women and girls in Afghanistan as potential crimes against humanity have prompted action from the International Criminal Court, targeting high-ranking Taliban officials.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a significant step by issuing arrest warrants for Taliban leaders, including Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the chief justice, in response to severe restrictions placed on women and girls. The court's statement underlines that these restrictions are not only discriminatory but also amount to crimes against humanity.

Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have enacted stringent measures that effectively ostracize women from public life. This includes barring women from most workplaces, prohibiting them from accessing public spaces like parks and gyms, and mandating that they must be accompanied by male relatives for any travel beyond a specified distance. Furthermore, girls are not permitted to attend school beyond the sixth grade, contributing to Afghanistan's reputation as one of the most oppressive countries for women, with many experts labeling it a case of "gender apartheid."

The ICC has stated that the oppressive policies have resulted in various atrocities, such as murder, torture, forced disappearances, and sexual violence. The judges emphasized the urgent need to address these human rights violations that have profound effects on the lives of millions, underscoring the Taliban's systematic targeting of women and girls.