ICC Denounces Trump's Executive Sanctions Order
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Synopsis
On February 7, the ICC condemned President Trump's sanctions against the court, stating it undermines international justice. The Netherlands and EU officials expressed regret, emphasizing the ICC's vital role in combating impunity. The sanctions threaten the court's independence, following Trump's response to arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
Key Takeaways
- ICC condemned Trump's sanctions order.
- Sanctions threaten ICC's independence.
- Netherlands and EU expressed regret.
- Financial penalties and visa restrictions imposed.
- ICC's role in international justice is crucial.
The Hague, Feb 7 (NationPress) The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday criticized the move by US President Donald Trump to implement sanctions against the international tribunal.
"The ICC denounces the issuance by the US of an executive order aiming to impose sanctions on its officials and jeopardize its independent and impartial judicial functions," stated the court based in The Hague.
The Netherlands, the ICC's host nation, along with the European Union, has expressed discontent over this decision.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp remarked on social media platform X that "the Netherlands is disappointed by the executive order sanctioning the ICC," highlighting that the court's operations are "vital in the battle against impunity."
European Council President Antonio Costa noted on X that "sanctioning the ICC jeopardizes the court's autonomy and weakens the entire framework of international criminal justice."
Meanwhile, the European Commission emphasized the ICC's "crucial role in maintaining international criminal justice and combating impunity."
"The EU will closely monitor the repercussions of the executive order and evaluate potential further actions," a commission spokesperson informed Xinhua news agency.
The US sanctions include financial penalties and visa restrictions for individuals aiding the ICC in investigations concerning American citizens and US allies. Trump warned of "tangible and significant consequences" for those implicated.
Trump stated that his sanctions were a reaction to the ICC's arrest warrants from November of last year targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC determined that there were reasonable grounds to believe that both Netanyahu and Gallant bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, as per the ICC.
