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ICC 'deplores' new US sanctions on judges and prosecutors

August 21, 2025

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned new U.S. sanctions imposed against two of its judges and two prosecutors who were involved in cases against U.S. and Israeli citizens. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the sanctions by describing the ICC as a "national security threat" and "an instrument of lawfare," while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the move. France expressed dismay at the sanctions, especially as one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, was among those targeted.

Who is affected

  • Four ICC officials: Judges Nicolas Guillou (France) and Kimberly Prost (Canada), and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)
  • The International Criminal Court as an institution
  • Victims of alleged crimes who seek justice through the ICC
  • France, as one of its nationals was sanctioned
  • Previously sanctioned individuals including ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

What action is being taken

  • The United States is imposing sanctions on two ICC judges and two prosecutors
  • The ICC is publicly denouncing the sanctions as an attack on its independence
  • France is criticizing the sanctions as contradicting the principle of an independent judiciary
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is welcoming the U.S. sanctions
  • The sanctions are preventing the targeted officials from accessing or benefiting from any property or interests they hold in the U.S.

Why it matters

  • The sanctions represent a direct challenge to the ICC's authority and independence as a global court
  • The move creates tension between the U.S. and its allies, including France, who support the ICC
  • The sanctions relate to high-profile cases involving allegations of war crimes in Gaza and Afghanistan
  • The actions reflect growing conflict between national sovereignty claims and international justice mechanisms
  • The ICC views these sanctions as undermining justice for "millions of innocent victims across the world"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC