Background on the Tribunal Penal International (ICC)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent court that investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Established in 2002 through a treaty adopted by a majority of countries, the ICC operates independently from the United Nations.
US Sanctions Against ICC Judges
On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions against four members of the ICC involved in cases against Israel and the United States. The sanctioned individuals include Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, French judge Nicolas Guillou, Fijian judge Nazhat Shameem Khan, and Senegalese prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.
Reasons for the Sanctions
The sanctions were imposed due to the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan and Israeli actions against the Palestinian territories. The investigation also includes an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity related to the 2014 Gaza offensive.
Impact on ICC Operations
The United Nations has expressed concern over these sanctions, stating that they “undermine the foundations of international justice.” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasized that the ICC is a crucial component of international criminal law and that these sanctions pose significant obstacles to the ICC’s operations and respect for ongoing cases.
Previous US Actions Against the ICC
In 2020, under the Trump administration, then-ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan was sanctioned for seeking arrest warrants against two Israeli officials and three Hamas leaders, all of whom have since passed away in Israeli military operations. Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on four ICC judges in June.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the International Criminal Court (ICC)? The ICC is an independent international organization that investigates and, when appropriate, tries individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
- Why did the US impose sanctions on ICC judges? The US took this action due to the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan and Israeli actions against Palestinian territories, including an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- How does the UN view these sanctions? The UN has expressed deep concern, stating that the sanctions undermine international justice and pose significant obstacles to ICC operations.
- What previous actions has the US taken against the ICC? The Trump administration previously sanctioned ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and imposed sanctions on four ICC judges.
