The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a strong response following the recent sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump, asserting its commitment to delivering “justice and hope” globally.
In a statement released on Friday, the ICC condemned the US Executive Order aimed at sanctioning its officials and undermining the court’s independent judicial work.
“The ICC condemns the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work,” the court stated.
It emphasized that it would continue to support victims of atrocities worldwide, asserting, “The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world.”
Trump’s sanctions, announced on Thursday, were a response to what he described as “illegitimate and baseless” investigations targeting the US and “Israel”.
The Executive Order includes asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, their families, and others perceived to be aiding the court’s investigations. While specific names were not disclosed, prior sanctions under Trump had previously focused on the ICC’s prosecutor.
The European Union (EU) responded with concern, warning that such sanctions could jeopardize the ICC’s independence and the integrity of the global judicial framework.
Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, remarked on social media that “Sanctioning the ICC threatens the Court’s independence and undermines the international criminal justice system as a whole.” The European Commission expressed “regret” over the sanctions, highlighting the ICC’s vital role in upholding international justice and combating impunity.
The EU also noted that the executive order could disrupt ongoing investigations and proceedings, including those related to Ukraine, stating, “The EU will be monitoring the implications of the executive order and will assess possible further steps.”
Costa assured ICC President Tomoko Akane of the EU’s support, emphasizing the importance of the court’s independence and impartiality.
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