ICC seeks arrest of Taliban leaders for Afghan crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for the Taliban's supreme leader and chief justice, citing "gender apartheid" against Afghan women. The warrants, announced Tuesday, accuse Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani of crimes against humanity for policies depriving women of education, freedom of movement, and other rights since the Taliban's 2021 takeover. The ICC stated there were "reasonable grounds to believe" the leaders committed atrocities. Human rights groups and activists worldwide have praised the ICC's action, viewing it as a crucial step toward accountability for the Taliban's treatment of women, though the impact on the ground remains uncertain.