ROME – While 79 UN nations have jointly condemned latest U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Italy remains a conspicuous exception by not signing the declaration – further deepening its standoff with the court over the Almasri case.
France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, and Ireland were among the signatories of a statement warning that U.S. sanctions against the ICC -which in November issued arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes- could seriously undermine ongoing investigations and force the court to close its field offices. The signatories also cautioned that such measures risk “eroding international rule of law.”
The letter describes the ICC as “a vital pillar of the international judicial system, ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes and justice for their victims.”
Washington’s latest sanctions, announced Thursday, specifically target the ICC. Trump justified the move as a response to what he called “illegitimate and unfounded actions against America and its close ally, Israel.”
Meanwhile, tensions between the ICC and the Italian government have escalated in recent weeks after Italy deported Osama Njeem Almasri, the head of Libya’s judicial police, despite an ICC arrest warrant against him.
Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini have both attacked the ICC, arguing that instead of investigating others, “the court itself should be investigated.”
The Italian government has also challenged the validity of Almasri’s arrest warrant, dismissing it as “null” due to alleged procedural flaws. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni questioned the timing of the warrant, pointing out that it was issued just as Almasri entered Italy – despite him having traveled through three other European countries over the preceding 12 days.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio is reportedly considering a formal request for clarifications from the ICC regarding inconsistencies in the arrest warrant’s procedures.
On Thursday, Italian newspaper Avvenire reported that the ICC had opened an inquiry into the Italian government for “obstruction of justice.” However, Rome denied that any formal proceedings were underway.
An ICC spokesperson, responding to the controversy, emphasized that under the Rome Statute -the treaty establishing the court- any individual or group worldwide can submit information to the prosecutor’s office. However, the spokesperson declined to comment on specific cases.
Omer Shatz, director of the human rights legal organization Front-Lex, which filed a complaint against Meloni, Nordio, and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on behalf of a Sudanese refugee, told ANSA that his organization is considering additional complaints related to the Almasri case.
“His victims feel the most humiliated and disappointed by the Italian government’s actions because they wanted to see him tried and held accountable,” he said.
(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)
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