U.S. imposes further sanctions on the International Criminal Court, specifically targeting a French judge linked to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
The United States has taken a significant step in its ongoing dispute with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on four of its judges and prosecutors.
The sanctions, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, bar entry to the United States for the targeted individuals and block any property they may have in the world's largest economy. The move comes in response to the ICC's actions against Israel, including the issuance of arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
Among the targeted individuals is Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over a case in which an arrest warrant was issued for Netanyahu. Guillou had previously worked for several years in the United States, assisting the Justice Department with judicial cooperation during Barack Obama's presidency.
Another targeted individual is Judge Kimberly Prost of Canada, who was involved in a case authorizing an investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan, including by US forces.
The sanctions also extend to judges or prosecutors from France and Canada. Senator Rubio stated that the ICC is a national security threat and an instrument for lawfare against the United States and Israel.
The ICC, backed by almost all European democracies, was set up as a court of last resort when national systems do not allow for justice. However, the Trump administration has rejected its authority, and these sanctions are seen as an effort to hobble the ICC, particularly over actions against Israel.
Interestingly, Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska despite Putin facing an ICC arrest warrant. This move has raised questions about the consistency of the US's approach to the ICC.
The State of Palestine, which is not recognized by Washington, brought forward the case against Israel that led to the targeting of the ICC judges. Rubio has also imposed sanctions on two deputy prosecutors: Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.
The United States' actions have sparked a global outcry, with many criticizing the move as an attempt to undermine the ICC's independence and undermine the rule of law. The ICC, for its part, has vowed to continue its work, stating that it will not be intimidated by external pressures.
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