Russia Supreme Court to Rule on Taliban's Terrorist Status April 17

Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to lift the terrorist designation on the Taliban, which has been in place since 2003. The court is scheduled to review this request on April 17, and if granted, it would not constitute formal recognition of the Taliban government, which remains unrecognized internationally. Despite their classification as a terrorist group, Moscow has engaged in diplomatic relations with the Taliban, including hosting forums and discussions to stabilize Afghanistan post-U.S. withdrawal. President Putin has referred to the Taliban as 'allies' in combating terrorism, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to foreign policy. The move comes amidst ongoing global debates on how to engage with the Taliban, who have intensified restrictions on civil liberties in Afghanistan since regaining control. This request follows recent legislation allowing Russian courts to reconsider the terrorist status of organizations under certain conditions.