ICC separates Taliban investigation from broader Afghanistan probe

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly separated its investigation into Taliban crimes from its broader investigation into Afghanistan. Judges at the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber II have directed prosecutors to launch a standalone inquiry specifically into the alleged persecution of women and political opponents by the Taliban leadership.

The court's decision follows findings that Taliban conduct since 2021 is “materially different” from the activities covered by the original investigation, which also included alleged crimes by United States personnel. While the Office of the Prosecutor did not explicitly confirm the split, a spokesperson stated that the investigation focuses on the deprivation of fundamental rights, systematic arrests, and torture.

Critics have expressed concern over the move. Shaharzad Akbar, former head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, described the separation as “deeply troubling” and suggested that pressure and intimidation from the United States may be influencing the court’s investigative decisions.