Germany has expressed support for the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Taliban figures, including the group’s supreme leader and chief justice, over crimes against humanity.

Lars Castellucci, the German Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance, told Afghanistan International that Berlin welcomes the ICC’s move. He stated that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghan women and girls have been systematically stripped of their rights, a situation that, he said, must have consequences.

The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the group’s chief justice. Both are accused of crimes against humanity linked to widespread rights abuses under Taliban rule.

Germany joins other Western nations in backing the ICC’s decision. Canada’s Foreign Ministry told Afghanistan International that it remains deeply concerned by ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly those targeting women and girls. The ministry called on the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office also voiced support for the court’s action, saying that the United Kingdom stands with the people of Afghanistan and strongly opposes the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.