The International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for crimes against humanity, specifically due to gender-based persecution. Since taking control of the government in 2021, the Taliban have severely restricted women’s rights, prohibiting them from work, education, and public life. The ICC’s investigation, backed by forensic evidence and expert testimony, marks the first such action against Afghan officials. If approved by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber, the court will work to arrest the accused and may pursue further cases.