NEW YORK, USA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially condemned an executive order issued by the United States, which imposes punitive sanctions on its officials. The ICC argues that this order undermines its “independent and impartial judicial work.”
Established under the Rome Statute, the ICC is a fully independent court responsible for prosecuting serious crimes such as those against humanity.
Thursday’s executive order specifies that the US government will impose “tangible and significant consequences” on ICC officials involved in investigations posing a threat to the national security of the United States and its allies, including Israel.
Following ICC judges’ decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant in connection with alleged war crimes related to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the tensions have escalated. Furthermore, a warrant was issued for a former Hamas commander, Mohammed Deif. It is important to note that neither the US nor Israel recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, despite 125 states being party to the Rome Statute since its inception in 2002.
The US executive order further claims the ICC’s actions against Israel and preliminary inquiries involving the US “set a dangerous precedent,” endangering both current and former personnel.
Potential sanctions outlined in the order include the freezing of assets belonging to ICC officials and barring them and their families from entering the US.
Previous attempts by the US Congress to sanction the ICC prior to the administration change failed to secure enough support in the Senate.
ICC ‘stands firmly by its personnel’
The ICC affirmed its commitment, stating, “The ICC condemns the issuance of an Executive Order by the US seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work.” The court emphasized its dedication to delivering justice and hope to millions of victims of atrocities globally.
The ICC has called for solidarity among its parties, civil society, and nations to “stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.”
US Executive Order and ICC Sanctions
The executive order invokes authority granted to the President by the Constitution and US laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act. The order reinforces the US stance against the ICC’s actions regarding the United States or its allies, insisting that these nations have not consented to ICC jurisdiction.
The executive order concludes with a warning that the US will impose significant consequences on those responsible for perceived ICC transgressions, which may encompass asset freezes and restrictions on entry into the United States for ICC officials and their immediate families, deeming it contrary to US interests.
