The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on the 8th for two Taliban leaders in Afghanistan, including supreme spiritual leader Akhundzada, accusing them of persecuting women and girls.
The ICC stated that there is reasonable ground to believe that Akhundzada and Taliban Chief Justice Haqqani have committed crimes against humanity.
The court said: "While the Taliban implemented certain rules and prohibitions against the entire population, they specifically targeted girls and women, depriving them of fundamental rights and freedoms because of their gender."
The court noted that these alleged criminal acts occurred after the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021, and continued at least until January 20, 2025.
ICC judges said the Taliban "severely deprived" girls and women of their right to education, privacy, and family life, as well as freedom of movement, speech, thought, conscience, and religion.
"Additionally, others have also been targeted because certain sexual behaviors and/or gender identity expressions are considered by the Taliban to be inconsistent with its gender policies."
Taliban: 'Meaningless'
The Taliban authorities subsequently dismissed the warrants as "meaningless."
Taliban spokesman Mujahid said in a statement that the ICC's arrest warrant "will not affect the Taliban authorities' firm commitment and dedication to Islamic law."