The Hague, Dec. 02 (SANA) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly defended its independence and neutrality against unprecedented U.S. sanctions targeting its senior officials. The court’s president, alongside several European nations, emphasized their commitment to the institution’s autonomy at the annual meeting with representatives from member states on Monday.
In a direct response to the sanctions, ICC President Tomoko Akani firmly rejected any form of external pressure, saying, “Let’s be clear, we do not accept any pressure, of any kind.” She reiterated that the court’s core principles of independence and impartiality were non-negotiable, stating, “Our loyalty is solely to the Rome Statute, the founding document of the court and international law.” Akani also noted that the ICC, which prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, is enduring its most challenging period in its 23-year history.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who attended the meeting, voiced France’s “unwavering commitment” to the court, calling the sanctions “unacceptable.”
Denmark’s representative Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, the EU’s spokesperson and Denmark’s representative, reinforced the bloc’s strong defense of the ICC, condemning the sanctions and threats aimed at undermining the institution’s work.
The U.S. sanctions were imposed in response to the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his role in the Gaza conflict. The move angered Washington, prompting President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors.
