US Sanctions on Four ICC Judges

The United States has imposed sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). British media outlet BBC confirmed the development in a report on Thursday (August 21).

According to the report, the decision came in response to various measures taken by the ICC against Israeli and American officials. Among those sanctioned, one is an American national, while the others are citizens of Canada, Senegal, and Fiji.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the ICC is involved in abuse of power and politicization. He said the court is conducting investigations against officials of the US and Israel without their authorization, which he considers an affront to American sovereignty. The US administration also announced that any assets of the sanctioned judges held in the United States will be frozen.

On the other hand, the ICC expressed regret over the US move. France also condemned the decision, while Israel welcomed it.

It is worth noting that earlier, the ICC had issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity.