The International Criminal Court (ICC) is voicing strong disapproval of the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its judges and prosecutors. Announced by the US State Department, these sanctions target two judges and two prosecutors for their roles in prosecuting US and Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the ICC as "an instrument of lawfare" against the US and claimed it poses a "national security threat." The move has garnered support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced ICC arrest warrants over allegations of war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict.
France echoed concerns about the sanctions, noting that one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, is among those affected. The ICC criticized the sanctions as a direct attack on its independence and impartiality, calling them an affront to the rules-based international order. Rubio condemned the ICC for what he deemed "politicization" and "illegitimate judicial overreach." The sanctions block any US-based property and interests of the targeted officials.
Previously, sanctions were also placed on the ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, and several judges. The UN's human rights chief has urged the US to retract these sanctions, emphasizing the need to respect legal norms. The conflict over the ICC's authority continues, particularly amid ongoing tensions regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, with critics like Francesca Albanese, also sanctioned by the US, rallying support for the court's mission.
France echoed concerns about the sanctions, noting that one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, is among those affected. The ICC criticized the sanctions as a direct attack on its independence and impartiality, calling them an affront to the rules-based international order. Rubio condemned the ICC for what he deemed "politicization" and "illegitimate judicial overreach." The sanctions block any US-based property and interests of the targeted officials.
Previously, sanctions were also placed on the ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, and several judges. The UN's human rights chief has urged the US to retract these sanctions, emphasizing the need to respect legal norms. The conflict over the ICC's authority continues, particularly amid ongoing tensions regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, with critics like Francesca Albanese, also sanctioned by the US, rallying support for the court's mission.
