ICC stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred, in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process, with a view to bringing justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression
Admin I Friday, June 06, 2025
THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court, ICC sitting at The Hague, Netherlands has expressed outrage at the decision of the United States to punish four of its judges for their courage in declaring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the number one ally of the state wanted in respect of ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, Palestine.
The four judges affected by the latest sanctions are Second Vice-President Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin), Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru) and Judge Beti Hohler (Slovenia).
In a statement, the ICC said these additional designations follow the earlier designation of Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC.
The ICC added: “These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe.
“The ICC provides justice and hope to millions of victims of unimaginable atrocities, in strict adherence to the Rome Statute, and maintains the highest standards in protecting the rights of suspects and the victims”, the ICC said.
It added that targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict.
“It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity. These sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court, including nationals and corporate entities of States Parties.
“They are aimed against innocent victims in all Situations before the Court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity”, it said.
It noted, the “ICC stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred, in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process, with a view to bringing justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression”.
In targeting the ICC judges, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio proclaimed:
” These individuals directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without consent from the United States or Israel”, adding, “Neither the United States nor Israel is party to the Rome Statute”
Rubio said “As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel.
“The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies.
“This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel”, he said, adding that the United States will take whatever actions it deems necessary to protect its sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other U.S. ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC.
“I call on the countries that still support the ICC, many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices to fight this disgraceful attack on our nation and Israel.
“All targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14203”,.
