US imposes new sanctions on International Criminal Court

The second round of sanctions comes less than three months after Washington took the unprecedented step of imposing sanctions on four separate ICC judges.

The ICC has condemned the new US sanctions, calling it “a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution.” The Court also urged member states to show solidarity and “provide firm and consistent support” to its work.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the US sanctions undermine the foundation of international justice, adding that the decision “imposes severe impediments on the functioning of the office of the prosecutor.” “Judicial independence is a basic principle that must be respected,” he added.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called on the US to withdraw all sanctions on the ICC and its staff, whose role is “essential in the fight against impunity.”