The National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan welcomes the historic decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Chief Justice of the group. This action is considered a significant and unprecedented step toward justice, accountability, and ending the culture of impunity in Afghanistan.
Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, as two key figures at the top of the Taliban structure, have played roles in organizing and ordering crimes that have deeply shocked the human conscience. These crimes range from the physical elimination of opponents to the systematic deprivation of women and girls from their most basic human rights, from suppressing civil liberties to expanding an atmosphere of fear and injustice—all of which are clear examples of serious violations of international law and human principles. They have not only trampled justice within the country but have also undermined the legitimacy of international institutions.
We call on all countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute and on international institutions to fully cooperate in the implementation of this warrant and to refrain from any legitimizing engagement with individuals who are internationally wanted.
At a time when the people of Afghanistan are suffering from historical injustice, structural discrimination, and the domination of religious extremism, the action taken by the Hague Court can be the beginning of a new path to uphold global justice and to put an end to the ongoing human tragedy in Afghanistan.
The National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan once again emphasizes the principle of accountability, prosecution of the perpetrators of crimes, and the guarantee of the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, and calls on the international community for effective and practical support of this process.
The National Assembly for the Salvation of Afghanistan