US Sanctions ICC Judges Over Actions Targeting US and Israel
Colaboradores
The United States has announced sanctions against four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing what it deems as “illegitimate actions” targeting both the United States and its close ally, Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on Thursday detailing the sanctions.
The sanctioned judges are Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. These actions follow previous directives from the Trump administration instructing cabinet officials to develop sanctions against the ICC.
Why the Sanctions?
The sanctions stem from the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants accused them of overseeing an offensive during the Gaza conflict that led to famine and included alleged war crimes. According to Rubio, two of the sanctioned judges authorized these arrest warrants. Additionally, two others authorized an ICC investigation into alleged abuses by US personnel in Afghanistan.
“As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel,” Rubio stated. He further asserted that the ICC is a politicized entity that falsely claims unlimited power to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and its allies. The US argues that this purported abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States.
Implications of the Sanctions
The US believes these sanctions are necessary to protect its national interests and those of its allies. The move signifies a continued strong stance against the ICC's perceived overreach and politically motivated actions. The long-term implications of these sanctions on the relationship between the US and the ICC remain to be seen.
- Sanctions target judges involved in investigations against US and Israeli officials.
- US argues the ICC is politicized and overstepping its authority.
- The move highlights the ongoing tension between the US and the International Criminal Court.