ICC 'condemns' US sanctions, Vows to Uphold Global Justice

TDT | Manama

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he International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a strong response on Friday after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the institution. The sanctions, aimed at ICC officials, come in the wake of the court's ongoing investigations into alleged war crimes by US personnel in Afghanistan.

In a statement, the ICC condemned the US's Executive Order, which seeks to undermine its work by targeting its officials. The court affirmed its unwavering commitment to continuing its mission to provide "justice and hope" across the globe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an independent and impartial judicial system.

“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 statement read.

The conflict between the ICC and the US has escalated over the years, with the court's efforts to investigate potential war crimes involving US military personnel stirring strong opposition from Washington. The sanctions come as a response to the court’s insistence on pursuing investigations despite opposition from the US government.

The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for international crimes, has long faced tension with countries like the US, which has not ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. This latest move by the US marks a significant escalation in the ongoing rift between the two parties.

Despite the sanctions, the ICC has reaffirmed its role as a key institution in global justice, stating that its pursuit of justice will not be deterred by external pressure. The court has called on the international community to continue supporting its mission of holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable and ensuring justice for victims worldwide.