The ICC labeled the latest US sanctions against its officials as a serious breach of its independence, following accusations from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The sanctions were welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid ongoing tensions regarding war crimes investigations linked to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
ICC Condemns US Sanctions on Its Officials as Political Interference
ICC Condemns US Sanctions on Its Officials as Political Interference
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed strong disapproval of new US sanctions targeting judges and prosecutors involved in high-profile cases concerning US and Israeli citizens.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly denounced the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its judges and prosecutors, describing the move as a serious infringement on its independence. Announced on Wednesday, the US State Department's sanctions affect two ICC judges and two prosecutors involved in prosecuting US and Israeli citizens.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the ICC as a "national security threat" and condemned it as an "instrument of lawfare" targeting the US and its ally Israel. This action has gained approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially given the ICC's ongoing investigations, which include arrest warrants against himself and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for purported war crimes linked to the conflict in Gaza.
The ICC expressed that these sanctions are a "flagrant attack" on its impartiality and independence, emphasizing that they violate the principles of a rules-based international order and disregard the plight of innocent victims worldwide. France also criticized the sanctions, highlighting one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, was among those targeted.
Included in the sanctions are judges Kimberly Prost of Canada and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. The US accused the officials of being involved in actions deemed illegitimate against Israel, while Rubio specifically criticized the ICC for its alleged politicization.
These recent sanctions follow earlier restrictions placed on ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC and several other judges earlier this year. UN Human Rights Chief has previously called upon the US to retract these sanctions, asserting they contradict the respect for the rule of law. The tension continues as the ICC remains firm in its stance for judicial independence in the face of political pressures.
