In a bold display of defiance, Afghanistan’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, asserted that the Taliban will not succumb to external pressures, even as the International Criminal Court (ICC) moves to issue an arrest warrant against him over allegations of persecuting women. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for religious scholars in Kandahar, Akhundzada’s rhetoric emphasized unwavering faith over fear.
“Whether Westerners or Easterners, how could we believe them and not Almighty God’s promises!” he proclaimed, asserting that the Taliban members are “Muslims who stand for what is right.” His remarks, broadcasted to journalists, echoed a sentiment of resilience against perceived threats from abroad.
The timing of his speech is significant, coming just days after ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced intentions to seek arrest warrants for both Akhundzada and the Taliban’s chief justice. This move highlights the international scrutiny the Taliban faces, particularly regarding its stringent policies toward women and girls, characterized by the United Nations as “gender apartheid.”
Since reclaiming power in 2021, the Taliban has enforced a rigid interpretation of Islamic law, implementing restrictions that have effectively barred Afghan girls and women from education and public life. They are required to wear full-body coverings and have been prohibited from accessing parks and holding government jobs.
While the Taliban claims to uphold women’s rights under sharia, many of its practices diverge sharply from the norms observed in other Islamic nations, drawing condemnation from various Muslim leaders. Akhundzada’s affirmations underscore a commitment to their interpretation of Islamic governance, positioning the Taliban as resilient against both internal and external challenges.
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