The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, has called on the US government to withdraw sanctions imposed on four judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Türk condemned the sanctions as attacks against judges that undermine respect for the rule of law and equal protection under it, principles the US has historically supported. He expressed deep concern and urged a prompt reconsideration and withdrawal of the measures.
US Sanctions ICC Judges Amid Controversy Over Israel, Afghanistan War Crimes Probes
The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing the ICC judges of illegitimately targeting Israel and the United States. The sanctions came in response to ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the court’s investigation into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan. The four judges sanctioned are all women from Uganda, Peru, Benin, and Slovenia, involved in authorizing these investigations.
UN Urges US to Lift Sanctions on ICC Judges as Global War Crimes Disputes IntensifyThe ICC condemned the sanctions as an attempt to undermine its independence and stated it stands fully behind its personnel, vowing to continue its work undeterred. The court emphasized that these sanctions harm not only the individuals targeted but also innocent victims in all situations before the ICC. Meanwhile, Netanyahu praised the US leadership for defending Israel’s rights, while Rubio described the ICC as politicized and accused it of abusing its power by investigating US nationals and allies.
ICC Warrants and US Sanctions Escalate Tensions Over War Crimes Investigations Globally
The ICC, responsible for prosecuting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, had previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israel’s former defense minister over alleged war crimes in Gaza. It also issued a warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, who was reportedly killed in an airstrike. Both Israel and Hamas have denied the allegations. Earlier, President Trump had imposed sanctions on the ICC and its chief prosecutor, accusing the court of power abuse.
The US sanctions specifically target four judges: Solomy Balungi Bossa and Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, who authorized the ICC’s probe into US military actions in Afghanistan; and Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou and Beti Hohler, who ruled on arrest warrants for Israeli officials. The sanctions block all their property and interests in the US and require reporting to the Treasury Department, further escalating tensions between the US and the ICC.