ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of Taliban Leaders Over Persecution of Women

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders, Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, accusing them of crimes against humanity for the persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan. This action highlights the severe restrictions imposed on Afghan women since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, including bans on education beyond sixth grade, employment, and public presence. The ICC’s move underscores the international community’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for gender-based persecution.