ICC Condemns New U.S. Sanctions Targeting Judges and Prosecutors

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:18:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

International Criminal Court voices strong opposition to U.S. sanctions on its officials amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The ICC has expressed deep concern over new sanctions imposed by the U.S. on its judges and prosecutors, which it deems an infringement on judicial independence and a threat to international law.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voiced strong disapproval of recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its judges and prosecutors, condemning the measures as a threat to judicial independence. The U.S. State Department announced sanctions on two ICC judges and two prosecutors for their roles in prosecutions involving U.S. and Israeli nationals, escalating tensions between the two parties.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the ICC as a "national security threat" and accused it of "lawfare" intended to undermine the U.S. and its ally Israel. This criticism gained momentum particularly after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both facing allegations of war crimes related to the conflict in Gaza.

France's government joined the ICC in denouncing the U.S. sanctions, expressing "dismay" as one of their judges, Nicolas Guillou, was among those targeted. Additionally, the U.S. sanctions included Canadian judge Kimberly Prost and two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, from Fiji and Senegal respectively. Rubio defended the sanctions by accusing the ICC of "politicisation" and "illegitimate judicial overreach."

The ICC responded to the sanctions, calling them a "flagrant attack" on its independence, asserting that they undermine the principles of a rules-based international order and disregard the plight of numerous innocent victims globally. The U.S. measures bar the sanctioned officials from accessing any U.S. properties or interests.

Earlier sanctions aimed at ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and other judges sparked further outcry, including a call from the UN human rights chief for their removal. In a broader context, the U.S. has been criticized for its recent sanctions against UN officials who have taken a stand against Israel's military actions in Gaza, including Francesca Albanese, a prominent critic of these operations.

In response to these developments, Albanese reaffirmed her commitment to justice and the principles established by the ICC, highlighting the legacy of those who have fought for judicial independence throughout history. As geopolitical challenges mount, the ICC continues to advocate for impartiality and due process in international law.