International Criminal Court condemns US sanctions as 'flagrant attack'

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday strongly criticized new US sanctions targeting four of its judges and deputy prosecutors, calling the move a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence and the international rules-based order.

"The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against ICC Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada), Judge Nicolas Guillou (France), Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal),” the court said in a statement.

The sanctions come after earlier measures targeting four other ICC judges and the chief prosecutor.

“These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions. They constitute also an affront against the Court’s States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world," the ICC added.

The court affirmed that it will continue its work in strict accordance with its legal framework, “without regard to any restriction, pressure or threat.” It also urged governments to support the court’s mission, stating, "The Court calls upon States Parties and all those who share the values of humanity and the rule of law to provide firm and consistent support to the Court and its work carried out in the sole interest of victims of international crimes."

The US sanctions include a judge who authorized arrest warrants for 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.