Judges Under Fire: US Targets International Court Officials

The US has taken a bold step by imposing sanctions on four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move is not just about punishing individuals but also about sending a strong message to the international community. The judges in question are accused of taking actions that the US finds illegitimate and baseless. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced these sanctions in a strongly worded statement. He accused the ICC of being politicized and of overstepping its boundaries. The ICC, according to Rubio, is making unfounded claims to investigate and prosecute US nationals and its allies, which the US sees as a threat to its sovereignty and national security. The four judges targeted by these sanctions are from Uganda, Peru, Benin, and Slovenia. As a result of the sanctions, their US-based property and assets will be blocked. Additionally, US-based entities are forbidden from engaging in any transactions with them. This includes providing funds, goods, or services. The ICC did not take this lightly. They issued a statement saying they stand behind their judges and deplore the US's decision. The ICC views these measures as an attempt to undermine their independence and the mandate given to them by 125 member states. The sanctions are a response to the ICC's investigations into US and Israeli military actions. The US has long argued that it is not subject to the ICC's jurisdiction because it is not a party to the Rome Statute. This statute is the foundation of the ICC and includes the countries where the ICC has jurisdiction. The ICC had initially blocked a request to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan. However, they reversed this decision the following year, allowing an investigation into US forces and members of the CIA. This decision did not sit well with the US, which has been critical of the ICC's actions. The situation in Gaza is another point of contention. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes, including intentional attacks on civilians. The US, being Israel's oldest ally, has strongly supported Israel, including its actions in Gaza. The US has a history of opposing the ICC. In 2019, the US announced it would deny or revoke visas for ICC officials involved in investigating US troops in Afghanistan. In 2020, they sanctioned ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a court official named Phakiso Mochochoko. These actions were later overturned under President Joe Biden. Critics warn that these actions could have long-term consequences for the ICC. The court relies on its member countries to execute orders like arrest warrants. The ICC itself has called for an end to these threats, viewing them as attempts to undermine their work.