EU voices concern over US sanctions on ICC judges
Finland was among the first to react, with its foreign ministry saying on social media that it "deeply regrets" Washington’s decision, stressing that the ICC must be allowed to function freely and independently.
France also responded by acknowledging the sanctions and calling on the United States to reverse all punitive measures directed at the court. In an official statement, Paris said, "France condemns all forms of threats and coercive measures against the ICC, its staff and civil society organizations supporting the court," warning that the move represents an attack not only on the institution itself but also on the 125 countries that are party to the Rome Statute.
Belgium echoed similar concerns, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot saying the sanctions "further undermine judicial independence and efforts to fight impunity." Writing online, he added, "Belgium strongly regrets the new additional sanctions of the US against two judges of the @IntlCrimCourt," while reaffirming Brussels’ commitment to supporting the court’s work in an independent and impartial manner.
Denmark also voiced its opposition, with its foreign affairs ministry stating that Copenhagen "deeply regrets" the US decision and reaffirming firm support for the ICC as an autonomous and unbiased judicial body.
Other European countries, including Spain, the Netherlands and Norway, have likewise expressed unease over the sanctions and reiterated their support for safeguarding the court’s independence.
The sanctions were announced Thursday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and target ICC judges Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia. Rubio accused them of being "directly engaged" in "the illegitimate targeting of Israel."
In response, the ICC said it "strongly rejects" the sanctions, describing the move as a "flagrant attack" on the independence of an impartial judicial institution.
The latest action follows earlier US sanctions imposed on ICC officials involved in approving arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Those warrants accuse the two officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 70,600 people—mostly women and children—and injured over 171,100 others, according to reported figures, with the violence continuing despite a truce signed in October.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
