Afghanistan’s Taliban leaders dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction over the country, labeling their predecessors' 2003 decision to join the Hague-based court’s founding treaty as "unlawful."
The decision was made in responce to the ICC chief prosecutor's announcement last month seeking arrest warrants for the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and a close associate, accusing them of being 'criminally responsible "for the persecution of Afghan women and girls."
Ruling as the Islamic Emirate, the Taliban authorities have enforced their strict interpretation of Sharia law, imposing widespread restrictions on free speech and severely limiting women's access to education and public roles.
No country has formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government, largely due to their oppressive treatment of women and girls.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as an entity that upholds the religious and national values of the Afghan people within the framework of Islamic Sharia, does not recognize any obligation to the Rome Statute or the institution referred to as the ‘International Criminal Court,’” the Taliban declared in an English-language statement.
The Taliban rejected the move, calling it politically motivated.
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat criticized the ICC for not taking "substantive measures against the war crimes perpetrated in Afghanistan by occupying forces and their allies."
Thousands of women, children, elderly individuals, and even prisoners in captivity have been martyred, yet this ‘court’ has neither initiated investigations nor sought to prevent these acts of oppression,” he said.
“Given that many of the world's major powers are not signatories to this 'court,' it is unwarranted for a nation such as Afghanistan, which has historically endured foreign occupation and colonial subjugation, to be bound by its jurisdiction,” the Taliban asserted.
A government spokesperson quoted Akhundzada as stating that "every decree he issues is based on consultation with scholars and derived from the Quran and Hadith [sayings of Islam’s prophet] and represents commands of Allah.”
China’s Dongfeng Audi Motors will invest $50 million to establish a vehicle manufacturing facility in Afghanistan, a move expected to create hundreds of local jobs and boost industrial growth.
Iran has announced plans to significantly expand its economic relationship with Afghanistan, targeting $10 billion in bilateral trade, as regional powers ramp up efforts to turn Afghanistan into a strategic trade and transit hub.
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during an official visit to Doha aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
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For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
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Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Armenia has officially approved joining the Ashgabat Agreement, aiming to enhance its regional transit role and secure broader access to international markets through a key transport and transit corridor spanning Central and South Asia.
Turkmenistan will host the next session of the High-Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea, following constructive discussions in Moscow among the five littoral states on maritime cooperation and legal frameworks.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a message to participants of the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit, praised the strong Azerbaijani–Turkish partnership and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.
Kazakhstan’s Senate has approved a key agreement with the UAE to develop a 1 GW wind power station in the Zhambyl region, with plans to enhance renewable energy production and storage capacity. The project will create thousands of jobs and attract significant investments.
The US Embassy in Georgia has cautioned American citizens about potential security threats at several major shopping malls in Tbilisi, though Georgian officials have refuted the claims as unfounded.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
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