Taliban dismiss legal attempt to apprehend senior leaders over mistreatment of Afghan women and girls

The Taliban asserted their disapproval on Friday regarding a request from an international court aiming to detain two of their senior officials for actions believed to persecute women, labeling the allegations as unfounded and inappropriate.

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), disclosed on Thursday that he had sought arrest warrants for two leading figures in the Taliban, including their chief, Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban administration has imposed restrictions preventing women from engaging in employment, accessing most public areas, and pursuing education past the sixth grade.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry released a statement denouncing the ICC’s request, arguing that the court was making unfounded claims against Afghanistan’s ruling bodies at a time when the country’s populace was enjoying a newfound tranquility. It highlighted that citizens had “breathed a sigh of relief.”

Furthermore, the ministry accused the ICC of ignoring years of conflict and human rights violations committed by foreign troops and their affiliates, stating, “This misbehavior further undermines the fragile credibility of the ICC, rendering its position and standing in the international arena virtually insignificant.”

The ministry cautioned the court against enforcing its interpretations of human rights while disregarding the cultural and religious values of others.

Earlier on the same day, an Afghan women’s organization praised the ICC’s decision.

The Afghan Women’s Movement for Justice and Awareness characterized the ICC’s actions as a “great historical achievement,” emphasizing that it symbolizes the determination and strength of Afghan women. The group expressed hope that this initiative would signal a new era of accountability and justice within the nation.

An individual formerly part of the Western-backed government suggested that the Taliban leadership might leverage this situation for propaganda, portraying the indictment as validation of their faith and resolve.

“They might communicate to their supporters that their beliefs are antagonizing global powers collectively,” remarked Mohammad Halim Fidai, who previously held gubernatorial roles across four provinces before the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021, and is currently residing outside Afghanistan. “This ruling could inadvertently become a symbol of pride or legitimacy for their regime.”

On the same day, the U.N. mission in Afghanistan expressed sorrow over the ongoing deprivation of educational opportunities for girls.

“It has been 1,225 days—nearly four years—since authorities enforced a ban preventing girls over the age of 12 from attending school,” stated Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. “It is both tragic and unacceptable that millions of Afghan girls have been denied their right to education.”

Otunbayeva pointed out that Afghanistan is the sole nation globally that restricts women and girls from receiving education at any level.