KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has denounced the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against the Taliban’s leader and chief justice, calling it unjust and politically motivated.
“The arrest warrant request for Haibatullah Akhundzada is unfair,” he said in an interview with the BBC. “This ruling will have no impact on Afghanistan’s relations with the world.”
The ICC’s chief prosecutor recently announced the request, citing evidence of human rights violations under Taliban rule, particularly against women. The move was widely welcomed by human rights organizations and Afghan activists.
Regarding the suspension of U.S. aid to Afghanistan, Muttaqi said the Taliban remain committed to the 2020 Doha Agreement and seek “honorable” engagement with Western nations.
“We want relations with Western countries and the United States—relations based on mutual respect and dignity,” Muttaqi said.
Many Afghans have urged the international community to take further steps against the Taliban.
“The world must listen to the people of Afghanistan and bring to justice those responsible for injustice,” said one Kabul resident.
Another resident added, “Our demand from the world is to increase pressure on the Taliban. For three years, they have denied women and girls access to education.”
Since Trump’s return to office, Washington has adopted a more confrontational approach toward the Taliban. The suspension of U.S. aid, combined with increased diplomatic and financial isolation, has deepened Afghanistan’s economic crisis, leaving millions struggling with poverty.
Observers warn that while the Taliban’s policies have exacerbated Afghanistan’s isolation, it is ordinary Afghans who are bearing the greatest burden.
