The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly expressed its disapproval of the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on four of its officials, including judges and prosecutors. This move was announced by the US State Department, which stated that it sanctioned two judges and two prosecutors for their roles in prosecuting US and Israeli citizens. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as an "instrument of lawfare" and a "national security threat," adding that the court's actions reflect a serious overreach of power.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the sanctions, viewing them as a defensive measure against what he termed a misinformation campaign against Israel. The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and another senior Israeli official, which further escalated tensions.
France, a member state of the ICC, also condemned the US sanctions, stressing that such measures contradict the principle of an independent judiciary. Among the sanctioned officials are Judge Nicolas Guillou, who signed arrest warrants against Netanyahu, and Judge Kimberly Prost from Canada, who faced sanctions due to an investigation involving US forces in Afghanistan.
The ICC reacted to the sanctions as "a flagrant attack" on its impartiality and independence, claiming they disrespect international law norms and jeopardize the protection of innocent victims worldwide. The court's governance emphasizes the prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Further backlash came from the United Nations, with the human rights chief pressing the US to withdraw these sanctions, arguing they detract from the rule of law's respect. Additionally, the US had placed sanctions on UN human rights rapporteur Francesca Albanese, a known critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Support for the ICC remains resilient, noted Albanese, who reaffirmed her commitment to uphold justice despite facing US sanctions, drawing on Italy's historical background of sacrifices by lawyers and judges advocating for justice.
In summary, the sanctions against ICC officials not only intensify the ongoing friction between the US, Israel, and the ICC but also provoke a broader discussion on the sanctity of international law and judicial independence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the sanctions, viewing them as a defensive measure against what he termed a misinformation campaign against Israel. The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and another senior Israeli official, which further escalated tensions.
France, a member state of the ICC, also condemned the US sanctions, stressing that such measures contradict the principle of an independent judiciary. Among the sanctioned officials are Judge Nicolas Guillou, who signed arrest warrants against Netanyahu, and Judge Kimberly Prost from Canada, who faced sanctions due to an investigation involving US forces in Afghanistan.
The ICC reacted to the sanctions as "a flagrant attack" on its impartiality and independence, claiming they disrespect international law norms and jeopardize the protection of innocent victims worldwide. The court's governance emphasizes the prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Further backlash came from the United Nations, with the human rights chief pressing the US to withdraw these sanctions, arguing they detract from the rule of law's respect. Additionally, the US had placed sanctions on UN human rights rapporteur Francesca Albanese, a known critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Support for the ICC remains resilient, noted Albanese, who reaffirmed her commitment to uphold justice despite facing US sanctions, drawing on Italy's historical background of sacrifices by lawyers and judges advocating for justice.
In summary, the sanctions against ICC officials not only intensify the ongoing friction between the US, Israel, and the ICC but also provoke a broader discussion on the sanctity of international law and judicial independence.
