The International Criminal Court (ICC) provided further details on Monday regarding arrest warrants for four Taliban leaders accused of crimes against humanity related to the persecution of women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ community. The warrants were issued in July and September of 2022 against Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's Supreme Leader, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, head of the country's Supreme Court. Two additional warrants were issued for Education Minister Habibullah Agha and Minister of Higher Education Neda Mohammad Nadim.
The court alleges that the four leaders engaged in persecution based on gender and political grounds against individuals perceived as allies of women and girls. The judges noted that their actions led to severe violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in Afghanistan, including murder, imprisonment, torture, rape, and enforced disappearance.
The Taliban has implemented policies restricting women's access to education and employment beyond sixth grade and has mandated that women cover their bodies entirely, except for their eyes, when outside, accompanied by a male relative on long trips.
Afghanistan's government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that the country does not recognize the ICC's authority, asserting that they adhere to Islamic Sharia law instead. A request for the warrants by former ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan highlighted the ongoing persecution faced by Afghan women, girls, and the LGBTQI+ community. The UN Human Rights Council has urged the Taliban to cease its systematic oppression of women and girls, while human rights organizations continue to call for increased international action against the Taliban's gender-based policies.