US sanctions entire ICC, drawing UN and allied governments' opposition
In short
The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court as an institution on Friday, extending earlier measures against individual officials. The court, the United Nations and eight countries opposed the decision.
Read the full story 2 min read
The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court on Friday, targeting the entire tribunal for the first time, The National reported. The measures expand earlier US sanctions against individual court officials and restrict transactions with the institution. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures were intended to protect US sovereignty and prevent the prosecution of Americans. He said Washington would cut off the court's resources and restrict its ability to operate against the United States. Rubio also warned allies belonging to the court that Washington would seek to dismantle the institution unless they acted to rein it in. [ 2 , 3 ]
Gulf News reported that the measures block any ICC assets in US jurisdictions and give US companies and individuals six months to wind down business with the court. It said the restrictions could affect banking, insurance, credit card services and technology supplied by US companies. Potential disruptions include paying staff, conducting investigations abroad, protecting witnesses and operating detention facilities. [ 1 ]
ICC officials also raised concerns about reliance on US technology, including Microsoft products. Acting chief prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told AFP that the court was seeking alternatives to preserve its independence and continue its work. The court condemned the sanctions as an attack on the rule of law and an attempt to obstruct justice. [ 1 ]
ICC President Tomoko Akane urged member states to support the institution. WAM reported that the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom jointly expressed strong opposition to the sanctions and reaffirmed support for the court's independence, impartiality and integrity. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the decision in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. The statement reaffirmed UN support for the court's independence and its officials. The sanctions were announced hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, WAM reported. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The restrictions could disrupt the ICC's access to financial services and US technology, affecting its investigations and operations. The court said the sanctions were an attempt to obstruct justice, while Washington said they would protect US sovereignty and citizens from prosecution.
Key facts
- The sanctions target the ICC as an institution, beyond earlier measures against individual officials. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The measures restrict transactions between US entities and the court. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Gulf News reported that US companies and individuals have six months to wind down business with the ICC. [ 1 ]
- Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom jointly opposed the sanctions. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- No open questions in the coverage so far.