ICC Seeks Arrests for Taliban Gender Persecution

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, has filed for arrest warrants against two senior Taliban leaders, Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, accusing them of crimes against humanity for gender-based persecution in Afghanistan. This marks the first time ICC prosecutors have sought arrests for the Taliban's actions, highlighting systematic violations of women's rights and persecution of the LGBTQI+ community since the Taliban regained control in August 2021. The charges include severe deprivations of fundamental rights, such as education bans and restrictions on women's freedom, under the guise of Islamic Sharia law. Human rights organizations have applauded this move, viewing it as a step towards accountability. The ICC's decision to pursue these charges follows the reopening of investigations into Afghanistan, as domestic avenues for justice under Taliban rule have failed. Judges at the Hague-based court will review Khan's application, which could take weeks or months to result in a warrant.