Trump reintroduces sanctions on International Criminal Court officials

Friday 07 February 2025 - 11:01

In a move reminiscent of his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized economic and travel sanctions targeting individuals involved in International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations of U.S. citizens and allies, including Israel. The ICC condemned the sanctions and urged its 125 member states to support its personnel, emphasizing its commitment to delivering justice to victims of atrocities worldwide.

This action coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. The ICC had previously issued warrants for several Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. The U.S. had already imposed sanctions in 2020 on ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and her top aides for investigating alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

The sanctions freeze U.S. assets and prohibit the designated individuals and their families from entering the United States. The Netherlands, the host country of the ICC, expressed regret over the sanctions, highlighting the court's crucial role in fighting impunity.

The ICC, which prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, is not a member of the U.S., China, Russia, or Israel. This executive order follows the Senate’s recent rejection of a Republican-led effort to implement a similar sanctions regime. The ICC has taken measures to safeguard its operations from financial repercussions, including paying staff salaries in advance.

Russia has also criticized the ICC, with the court issuing an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children. In retaliation, Russia has barred ICC officials, including prosecutor Karim Khan, from entering the country.