ICC calls US Sanctions on Judges a 'Blatant Attack'

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has described the new US sanctions against its members as a 'blatant attack' on its independence. The sanctions target two judges and two deputy prosecutors.

In a statement, the ICC said the sanctions constitute a 'blatant attack on the independence of an impartial judicial institution.' It added that they are an 'affront' to the Court's member states and victims worldwide.

France expressed concern about the sanctions, as they also target French judge Nicolas Guillou, stressing that they are contrary to the principle of judicial independence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the US decision, calling it a 'decisive action against the campaign of defamation and lies' against Israel. In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-AFP-Reuters