US-based rights groups sue Trump admin over ICC sanctions

Four prominent U.S. human rights organizations have initiated legal action against the Trump administration, alleging it unlawfully imposed sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The lawsuit, filed on August 11 in the Southern District of New York, was brought forth by the American Friends Service Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights, Human Rights Watch, and Open Society Institute.

The plaintiffs contest President Donald Trump's executive order, which authorized sanctions on ICC officials, judges, and personnel collaborating with the Hague-based court. The groups contend this action constitutes an "illegal assault" on international justice and must be dismissed, as it impedes numerous human rights and legal endeavors.

They further pointed out that these sanctions contravene the First and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The lawsuit asserts that the sanctions, implemented on February 6, 2025, surpass presidential authority and are predicated on a "fabricated national emergency lacking factual foundation."

Lead attorney Andrew Loewenstein emphasized that the coordinated legal challenge by multiple entities underscores the order's disruption to legal efforts aiming to hold accountable those responsible for grave atrocities. He underscored that the plaintiffs seek to terminate these sanctions, which infringe upon the president's authority and breach international and domestic law, including freedom of expression and religious rights.

Joyce Ajlouny, General Secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, denounced the U.S. government's endeavor to dismantle the ICC and penalize individuals seeking justice as "a violation against all victims and survivors of war crimes and genocide." She expressed the organization's refusal to remain silent when the pursuit of justice is criminalized, stating the presidential order aims to intimidate human rights advocates.

Liz Evenson of Human Rights Watch reiterated that the groups are safeguarding international justice from assaults and urged governments to protect the ICC and those advocating for justice. The Trump administration sanctioned ICC prosecutors, eight ICC judges, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territory, and three Palestinian human rights organizations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a campaign to "deconstruct" the ICC for its attempts to prosecute U.S. officials and servicemen. Washington is urging member countries to withdraw from the court.