The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose economic and travel sanctions on its staff.
Trump authorized the measures on Thursday, targeting individuals involved in ICC investigations of U.S. citizens and allies, including Israel. The move came in protest against the court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coincided with Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
The ICC warned that the sanctions undermine its judicial work and urged its 125 member states to remain united in support of justice and human rights.
The court reaffirmed its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims of atrocities. In a statement, it pledged to stand by its personnel and continue its mission in all cases before it.
Understanding the ICC’s Role and Jurisdiction
Founded in 2002, the ICC prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression when national governments fail to act. The court has jurisdiction over crimes committed by nationals of its member states or on member state territories, even if the perpetrators are from non-member nations.
Despite its global mandate, the United States is not an ICC member and has consistently opposed the court’s authority over American citizens.
