The United States has taken a significant step by imposing sanctions on four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), an action that intensifies scrutiny on this international body. This decision is particularly noteworthy in light of the ICC’s recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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The four judges, all women, now face travel restrictions to the United States, and any property or investments they hold within US jurisdiction will be blocked. Sanctions of this nature are typically reserved for policymakers from nations viewed as adversaries, making this a unique approach towards judicial officials.
“The United States will take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other US ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His words reflect a firm stance on maintaining national and allied interests, underscoring the significance of this development.
Mr. Rubio further emphasized, “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.” This call to action highlights the intricate web of international relations and the historical context that shapes these ongoing conversations.
Among the sanctioned judges are Beti Hohler from Slovenia and Reine Alapini-Gansou from Benin. Their involvement was crucial in the proceedings that led to the arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu, which the court has issued based on “reasonable grounds” for criminal responsibility concerning allegations of war crimes, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare during recent military operations in Gaza.
The other two judges, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza from Peru and Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda, participated in proceedings that authorized investigations into allegations of war crimes committed by US forces during the conflict in Afghanistan.
While neither the United States nor Israel is a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, it’s important to note that nearly all of America’s Western allies, as well as countries like Japan and South Korea, and the majority of Latin America and Africa, are indeed signatories. This means they are theoretically obligated to detain suspects if they enter their territories.
Such developments not only affect international jurisprudence but also raise questions about cooperation and the balance of power in global governance.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
