Sayonara, ICC Judges: U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Court's Adversaries
United States imposes sanctions on female judges presiding over criminal courts
Get the dirt on the latest international drama - ICC judges facing U.S. sanctions for their role in probing Israel's PM Netanyahu and potential war crimes in Afghanistan!
The Trump administration isn't mincing words when it comes to the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a blatant move, it has levied sanctions against four ICC judges who dared to take on the mighty U.S. and its faithful ally, Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio painted a damning portrait of these judges, accusing them of participating in the ICC's "illegitimate and unfounded actions" against the U.S. and Israel, respectively[1].
On the edge of his seat, Trump paved the way for such sanctions back in February with an executive order. The Commander-in-Chief bemoaned the ICC's abuse of power and accused the court, stationed in The Hague, of indulging in unlawful actions[2]. Now, Washington accuses two of the targeted judges of approving an investigation into U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, while the other two judges enable arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Joav Galant in regards to the Gaza war.
Bye-bye, assets! As a result of the sanctions, any goodies these judges may have stashed away in the U.S. are now frozen.[3] Furthermore, U.S. companies and citizens are barred from doing business with them. But, fear not, dictators and war criminals, your next vacation might not be affected as the U.S. hasn't issued a travel ban just yet[2].
The unlucky judges on the U.S.'s naughty list include Ugandan judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, Peruvian Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza, Beninese Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Slovenian judge Beti Hohler[2].
The ICC boldly responded to the U.S. sanctions, branding them as an attempt to undermine the court's independence. Interestingly enough, neither the U.S. nor Israel are signed up to the ICC, making these raucous relations all the more intriguing[3]. The court also assured the judges of its unwavering support[3]. European Union Council President Antonio Costa jumped into the fray, pledging the EU's steadfast support for the ICC as the backbone of international justice[3].
In the ongoing dance of power, the ICC has been on a war crimes crusade since 2002. This stellar court can churn out arrest warrants that are binding in over 120 member states of the Rome Statute, meaning that if Netanyahu or any other targeted leader steps foot in a member state, they could find themselves locked up[4].
Remember when Trump ordered sanctions in his first term when the ICC was inspecting alleged war crimes by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan[4]? This time around, his successor, Biden, lifted those sanctions - but it looks like the gloves are back on[4].
Sources: ntv.de, mwa/AFP/rts/dpa[1][2][3][4]
- USA
- War Crimes
- International Criminal Court
- Sanctions
- Benjamin Netanjahu
- The ongoing political dispute between the USA and the International Criminal Court (ICC) escalated with the imposition of sanctions on four ICC judges, resulting from their engagement in investigations against the USA and Israel regarding potential war crimes.
- Despite not being members of the ICC, the USA's controversial confrontation with the court over war crimes investigations in Afghanistan and Israel continues, highlighting the complexity of international relations and the significance of employment policy in shaping global politics.
