International Criminal Court Slams US Sanctions on Judges and Prosecutors
In a bold move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed deep disappointment over the recent imposition of sanctions by the United States on its judges and prosecutors.
The US State Department announced the sanctions on two judges and two prosecutors from the ICC, alleging their involvement in targeting US and Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio went as far as labeling the ICC as a “national security threat” and accused it of engaging in “lawfare” against the US and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the sanctions, particularly in light of arrest warrants issued against him and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
France joined the ICC in condemning the US sanctions, expressing its dismay over the targeting of one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou. Other ICC officials named in the sanctions included judge Kimberly Prost from Canada, and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal.
Rubio criticized the ICC for its alleged politicization, abuse of power, and unjust judicial overreach, leading to the imposition of sanctions. The ICC, known for its authority in prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, described the sanctions as a direct attack on its independence and impartiality.
France’s foreign ministry echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the contradiction to the principle of an independent judiciary. Meanwhile, Netanyahu hailed the US decision as a strong stance against what he referred to as a “smear campaign” against Israel.
The US State Department justified the sanctions by pointing to Guillou’s authorization of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, Prost’s investigation of US personnel in Afghanistan, and Khan and Niang’s alleged actions against Israel. The penalties restrict the officials from accessing any property or interests they hold in the US.
This recent round of sanctions follows earlier restrictions imposed on the ICC’s chief prosecutor and four other judges. The move drew criticism from the UN’s human rights chief, who called for the withdrawal of the sanctions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Notably, the US also targeted UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Rubio justified the sanctions by pointing to Albanese’s support for the ICC and her involvement in prosecuting US and Israeli nationals.
In response, Albanese reaffirmed her support for the ICC, citing the rich tradition of justice in her home country Italy, where lawyers and judges have bravely defended justice despite great risks.
“I intend to honor that tradition,” Albanese declared in a social media post.—BBC
