‘Targeted Women’: ICC arrested warrant for two top Taliban leaders; Taliban calls it ‘rubbish’

CNN reported that the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against two top Taliban leaders on Tuesday (local time), accusing them of harassing girls and women in Afghanistan, CNN.In a statement, the ICC clarified that two men, the Taliban supreme leader Habatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqani are accused of encouraging the misuse of women, girls and others who do not follow the Taliban policy on the penis.In response, the Taliban called the arrest warrant “nonsense” and said that they do not recognize the ICC. He also accused his interpretation of Islamic law of showing hatred towards Islam by calling him a crime.Back in January, the ICC Chief Prosecutor said the pair is criminally responsible for completing gender-based harassment since at least 15 August 2021, when the Taliban captured Afghanistan.Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed harsh sanctions on women and girls. Girls are banned from going to school beyond the sixth grade. Women should publicly cover their entire body and faces and do not allow them to talk or see to men outside their families. The sound of women’s voice has also been banned in public.The ICC stated that the Taliban has specifically targeted women and girls because of their gender, removing their fundamental rights and freedom.The ICC said on Tuesday, “while the Taliban has overall some rules and prohibition on the population, they have specifically targeted girls and women due to their gender, deprived of fundamental rights and freedom.”“In particular, the Taliban severely deprived through the rights of education, secrecy and family life and movement, expression, thoughts, conscience and freedom of religion,” it continued, “it continued.The government has also targeted those who support women’s rights and LGBTQ people whose identity does not fit the Taliban rules on the penis.Arrest warrants were issued by the United Nations General Assembly a day after a resolution passed by expressing deep concern about the deteriorating harassment of women and girls in Afghanistan. The United Nations called the Taliban to reversed these policies quickly.Lisa Davis, Special Advisor on ICC’s gender and other discriminatory crimes, said this is the first time an international court has recognized LGBTQ people as a victim of crimes against humanity for gender harassment, according to media reports.Human rights groups have welcomed the ICC step. Amnesty International General Secretary Agnes Calmard called it an important step towards placing responsible people.International Justice Director of Human Rights Watch, Liz Evenson said that arrest warrant can provide an essential route to the victims and their families for justice.