ICC slams US sanctions on court as 'flagrant attack'
US President Donald Trump's administration has ramped up its pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of being "politicized." The EU, France, Germany, Spain and Japan have defended the court.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on its president and a trial lawyer. The court deems these actions as a blatant assault on its independence and the principle of an unbiased judicial system. In a statement, the Hague-based court emphasized that the US sanctions undermine the rule of law and endanger the international legal system.
The ICC, which investigates war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, reiterated its commitment to discharge its duties with full independence and impartiality, in line with the Rome Statute it helped establish in 2000. Despite the US's ratification in 2000, Washington has not ratified the treaty and has accused the court of being politically motivated.
European Union officials and several member states have stood in solidarity with the ICC, stressing the importance of its impartiality and independence. German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed deep distress over the US sanctions, pointing out that the US helped establish the concept of international criminal law during the Nuremberg trials.
France also condemned the sanctions, expressing solidarity with targeted magistrates. The US sanctions were also denounced by the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the sanctions as part of efforts to protect Americans from the ICC's actions, which he deemed illegitimate and based on baseless allegations.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
