The International Criminal Court (ICC) was created through the Rome Statute, which was negotiated within the United Nations (UN) framework. However, it operates as an independent judicial body tasked with prosecuting the most severe crimes, such as crimes against humanity.
For further details, read our explainer here.
US Sanctions ICC Officials Over Investigations
On Thursday, the US government issued an executive order warning of “tangible and significant consequences” for ICC officials engaged in investigations that could threaten the national security of the United States and its allies, including Israel.
Arrest Warrants and US Response
This move comes after ICC judges issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of alleged war crimes during Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza. The court also issued a warrant for former Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
Neither the US nor Israel recognizes the ICC’s jurisdiction, though 125 countries are parties to the Rome Statute, which established the court in 2002.
According to the US executive order, the ICC’s actions against Israel and its preliminary investigations into the US set a dangerous precedent, posing risks to current and former US personnel.
The order outlines potential sanctions, including:
– Freezing ICC officials' assets and properties, and
– Banning them and their families from entering the US.
Earlier this year, US Congress attempted to impose sanctions on the ICC, but the measure failed to pass in the Senate before the change in administration.
ICC Responds: ‘Standing Firm’ Against Pressure
In a press release, the ICC strongly condemned the US executive order, calling it an attempt to undermine the court’s independence and judicial work.
**“The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world.”**
The ICC also urged its member states, civil society, and other nations to unite in defending justice and fundamental human rights.
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