International Criminal Court
France condemns US sanctions on two additional ICC judges
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- France condemns new US sanctions on two ICC judges.
- Paris says the measures threaten judicial independence.
- Washington cites judges’ role in cases involving 'Israel'.
France on Friday strongly criticized new US sanctions imposed on two additional judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling on Washington to lift all measures targeting the court.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of the latest sanctions, which expand earlier US measures already imposed on nine ICC officials. Paris said the move represents a direct challenge to the court’s independence and authority.
- Defense of judicial independence -
France said it “condemns all forms of threats and coercive measures” against the ICC, its judges, staff, and civil society groups that support its work. The ministry warned that the sanctions amount to an attack not only on the court itself but also on all 125 states that are party to the Rome Statute.
“These measures are contrary to the principle of judicial independence,” the ministry said, stressing that the ICC must be allowed to carry out its mandate without political pressure.
- Solidarity with targeted judges -
Paris expressed solidarity with the judges affected by the US decision and reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for the ICC and its personnel. France added that it will continue coordinating with European partners and other Rome Statute states to ensure the court can operate independently and impartially.
- US justification -
The reaction followed an announcement on Thursday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the sanctions were imposed on the two judges for being “directly engaged” in what he described as “the illegitimate targeting of Israel.”
The United States had previously sanctioned ICC officials over arrest warrants issued for 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Those warrants accuse both officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
