The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed strong condemnation on Thursday following the Trump administration’s imposition of sanctions on four of its judges.
In an official statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed the penalties, which affect Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia.
Among the four, two were responsible for approving arrest warrants issued last November for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The other two were involved in authorizing an investigation by the ICC into alleged misconduct by American forces in Afghanistan.
Reacting to the move, the ICC issued a harsh rebuke, declaring that it “deplores” the sanctions, describing them as “a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe.”
The Court also reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, stating that it “stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred, in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process, with a view to bringing justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.”
Criticizing the American actions, the ICC emphasized the harmful message it sends: “Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity.” The statement further warned that “these sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court, including nationals and corporate entities of States Parties.”
Continuing its denunciation, the ICC said the measures “are aimed against innocent victims in all Situations before the Court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.”
In contrast, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the U.S. for its actions. Taking to X, he wrote, “Thank you Secretary Rubio. You are right. The ICC’s dangerous abuse of power and illegitimate infringement of sovereignty and national security of democracies fighting terrorism like the US and Israel must stop.”
The latest sanctions were implemented in accordance with an executive order signed by President Trump in February, authorizing punitive measures against the ICC.
Only a week after that order, the U.S. took further action by placing ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, thereby subjecting him to direct sanctions.
As a result, all of Khan’s financial holdings within the United States have been frozen.
{Matzav.com}