KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced on Thursday that his office has filed applications for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders, including Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani.
The warrants stem from “criminal responsibility” for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds.
According to Prosecutor Khan, the Taliban leadership has been responsible for carrying out a widespread campaign of oppression against Afghan women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals since August 15, 2021, when the group returned to power.
The ICC’s action is supported by extensive evidence, including witness testimonies, expert opinions, Taliban decrees, and statements from the accused. The investigation highlights severe restrictions imposed on women’s rights, including limitations on education, employment, freedom of movement, and expression.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Prosecutor Khan stated, “The evidence shows that Afghan women and girls, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals, are enduring an unprecedented and ongoing campaign of persecution.” He added, “Our actions send a clear message: the status quo for Afghan women and girls is unacceptable.”
This move follows years of international concern over the Taliban’s treatment of women. In 2023, UN special envoy for global education, Gordon Brown, called for ICC prosecution of Taliban leaders for denying education and employment to Afghan women and girls.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II will now review the applications to determine if there are sufficient grounds to issue the arrest warrants. If approved, the court will work with member states to apprehend Akhundzada and Haqqani.
“These are the first applications for arrest warrants in the Situation in Afghanistan,” Khan said, adding his office will “file further applications for other senior members of the Taliban soon.”
This development marks a crucial step in the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the situation in Afghanistan, which has been under scrutiny since 2003 when Afghanistan became a State Party to the Rome Statute.