ICC Calls US Sanctions a Threat to Global Justice

The International Criminal Court has described US sanctions against the institution as “an attack on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order,” saying the move targets the principle that “no one is above the law.”

In a statement, the court said the US sanctions target an independent judicial body established under a treaty and mandated by 125 countries to investigate and prosecute cases involving genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.

According to the court, the move is “an attempt to obstruct the course of justice and prevent the performance of the functions for which the court was created.” It added that the sanctions aim to disrupt its work and intimidate those who work for or cooperate with it, while stressing that it would not retreat from its position.

Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, said: “The court will continue to carry out its full mandate and will act with independence and impartiality, solely on the basis of the law and evidence, for the sake of countless victims of grave crimes.”

The International Criminal Court also said it cannot stand alone and that its fate depends in part on the decisions and support of the countries that created it. It called on states to continue practical measures, including ensuring that the court still has the resources and facilities needed to continue its work.

The court added that defending the institution is “not merely defending an institution, but protecting an international order based on the rule of law.”

The United States said today it was sanctioning the International Criminal Court over its efforts to prosecute its citizens. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “We will prohibit any dealings with this arbitrary court, cut off its funding, and cripple its ability to act against ourselves.”

The United States has previously sanctioned 13 ICC judges and prosecutors.