Russia officially moves to legalize the Taliban – Politico

The Russian hearing is scheduled for April 17 and will be held in camera, said the Supreme Court press service in a statement, the TASS -belonging media reported.

“The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has received and accepted an administrative complaint from the Prosecutor General of the Federation of Russia to suspend the prohibition of the activities of the Taliban movement, included in the unified federal list of organizations, including foreign and international organizations recognized in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation as a terrorist,” added the Supreme Court.

Russia’s relationship with the Taliban regime has evolved over time, while Moscow’s own Ostracism from the West increased following its growing aggression in Ukraine.

The Taliban was added to the black list of Russia in 2003 to support the separatists in the North Caucasus. However, following the takeover of the Hardcore Islamist group in Afghanistan in 2021, Moscow gradually deepened its diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, organizing delegations for negotiations and even allows its participation in international forums.

In July, Putin described the group “an ally of trust”, adding that the movement could help Russia’s struggle against the Islamic State.

On December 28, the Russian chief signed a law allowing the temporary suspension of prohibitions on organizations included in the list of terrorists.