Russia's Supreme Court on Thursday suspended the ban on Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, which had been in place since 2003 when the group was designated a terrorist organisation. This move opens the door for Russia to establish official diplomatic and political relations with the Taliban-led government in Kabul.
The decision reflects a shift in Moscow's approach following the Taliban’s return to power after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. Despite the suspension of the ban in Russia, the Taliban is still officially designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and India.
What did the court say?
"By decision of the Russian Supreme Court, the previously established ban on the activities of the Taliban movement, included in the unified federal list of organizations recognized as terrorist, is suspended," the judge was quoted as saying, according to state-run TASS news agency.
The apex court's decision comes into force immediately.
The advocate and representatives of the Taliban were present for the in-camera hearing.
In December 2024, the Russian Duma amended the law, which allowed the temporary lifting of the ban on the Taliban to facilitate interaction with the group. "We are grateful for the decision, it will help strengthen cooperation," the Afghan embassy in Moscow was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.
Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov had filed a petition in the Supreme Court with a request to lift the ban on the Taliban.
Ban removes legal obstacles to full-fledged political and economic relations
The Supreme Court's decision eliminates legal barriers to establishing comprehensive political and economic ties between Russia and Afghanistan, according to Zamir Kabulov, the Russian special presidential envoy for Afghanistan and advisor to the country’s top diplomat, as reported by TASS.
"We will have to work with the Afghans in the interests of full normalization of bilateral relations," he added.
In an earlier media interview, Zamir Kabulov had stated that full diplomatic recognition of the Taliban would not be possible until certain international conditions were fulfilled.
Key among these conditions were the establishment of an inclusive government representing various ethno-political groups, and the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights of women.
(With PTI inputs)
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