Brussels / Washington (ANSA) – A coalition of 79 UN member states has denounced US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a joint statement. They argue that these sanctions could severely jeopardize ongoing investigations, potentially forcing the Court to shut down its field offices. Furthermore, they warn this action poses a heightened risk of impunity for serious crimes and threatens to undermine the rule of international law.
Countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom have signed the statement, although Italy has not. Among the prominent critics of the US sanctions is European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who emphasized via social media that the Hague Tribunal plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability for international crimes and amplifying victims’ voices worldwide. She asserted that the Court must be empowered to combat global impunity effectively.
“Europe,” she stated, “will always stand for justice and uphold international law.” Her sentiments were echoed by ICC President Tomoko Akane, who condemned the sanctions as “a serious attack on international law,” claiming they are designed to weaken the Court’s ability to administer justice universally.
This controversy emerges amid rising tensions between Rome and the ICC, with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio openly criticizing the Court in Parliament. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has also called for an investigation into the ICC regarding its position on the Almasri case, concerning the Libyan commander released by Italy despite an ICC-issued arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In response to the sanctions, the ICC held discussions with EU leaders on Thursday, seeking and securing tangible support from European institutions. This includes invoking the Blocking Statute, which counters the impact of sanctions enacted by extraterritorial laws. President Akane reaffirmed a fundamental principle: “The ICC rejects any attempt to politicize its role” (February 7).
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