Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Beth van Schaack, the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, said on Wednesday the State Department continues to monitor Taliban’s violations involving gender persecution against women and girls, as well as attacks on minority groups.
Addressing a press conference, van Schaack highlighted that the International Criminal Court is actively investigating crimes committed by the Taliban and other non-state actors. She emphasized the appointment of a senior special advisor on gender persecution, who has formulated a comprehensive policy for prosecuting such offenses before the International Criminal Court. Although no formal charges have been filed yet, she expressed the expectation that charges will be forthcoming.
Regarding the $10 million bounty on the head of Taliban’s interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, van Schaack clarified that while the US State Department administers various rewards programs to bring individuals associated with terrorism or transnational crimes to justice, this specific “bounty” falls under the jurisdiction of another State Department office. Nevertheless, she pointed out that as long as Haqqani remains on the Wanted list, individuals providing information leading to his apprehension would be eligible for rewards upon his eventual capture.
Van Schaack strongly condemned the Taliban’s prohibition of girls’ education, describing it as one of the most reprehensible acts perpetrated by the group. She highlighted ongoing efforts within the State Department to engage with the Taliban on this issue and to work towards improving conditions for girls and women in Afghanistan. A dedicated special envoy is actively engaging with officials to advocate for the rights and well-being of women and girls.
The Haqqani Network, implicated in significant attacks across Afghanistan prior to the collapse of the previous government, saw Sirajuddin Haqqani assume leadership following the passing of his father, Jalaluddin Haqqani, in 2018. The Haqqanis have been linked to suicide bombings and have been accused of assassinating Afghan officials and holding Western hostages for ransom, including the release of Joshua Boyle, Caitlan Coleman, and their children in 2017, as well as US soldier Bowe Bergdahl in 2014.
