By Goodness Anenih
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has criticised sanctions imposed by the United States, warning that the measures could undermine its work and intimidate personnel and individuals cooperating with the court.
The sanctions were announced on Friday, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisting that President Donald Trump would not permit the prosecution of American citizens by the international tribunal.
Rubio called on US allies, including countries that belong to the ICC, to intervene and address Washington’s concerns, warning that the United States could take further action against the institution.
In response, ICC President Tomoko Akane reaffirmed the court’s commitment to carrying out its responsibilities independently and impartially, in accordance with applicable laws and evidence.
Akane urged the court’s 125 member states to take concrete measures to ensure it had the resources required to fulfil its mandate, stressing that the dispute extended beyond the institution to the protection of international justice and the rule of law.
She also warned that sanctions against those working with the court could have wider implications for efforts to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable and protect victims of mass atrocities.
US sanctions typically restrict American businesses from dealing with designated individuals and institutions. They can also prompt financial institutions, insurers and software providers to discontinue services to those affected.
Rubio said the sanctions were structured to allow negotiations and create an opportunity to resolve the issues raised by the US government.