The European Union has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court. The EU said it “deeply regrets” the action and reaffirmed its full support for the court.
The U.S. announced the sanctions following recent ICC arrest warrants, including one for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move has drawn global concern over attempts to undermine international justice.
EU Says ICC Must Operate Without Pressure
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to X to express disapproval of Washington’s action. “The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account and gives victims a voice,” she wrote. “It must be free to act without pressure.”
Anitta Hipper, a spokesperson for the European Commission, added, “We deeply regret the decision to impose sanctions on four additional individuals.” She assured that the EU “will provide the full support and contribution to ensure the protection of the court and its staff.”
Judges Sanctioned Over ICC Actions on Israel, U.S.
Among the sanctioned judges are Beti Hohler of Slovenia and Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin. Both were involved in issuing the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Also targeted are Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru and Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda. They participated in the probe into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC in 2002. The court investigates and prosecutes crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity when domestic systems fail to do so.
EU Condemns U.S. Sanctions on ICC Judges
The EU’s statement that it condemns U.S. sanctions on ICC judges emphasizes the bloc’s unwavering support for the court’s independence. European leaders insist that upholding international law must take precedence over political retaliation. As Antonio Costa noted, “The rule of law must prevail over the rule of power.”
