On Wednesday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned the new U.S. sanctions imposed on two of its judges and two prosecutors, characterizing them as a “flagrant attack” on its independence.
The individuals affected include Judge Nicolas Guillou from France, who is overseeing a case connected to an arrest warrant issued for Benjamin Netanyahu.
Also targeted were Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, along with deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan from Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang from Senegal.
Judge Prost was involved in a case that authorized an investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan, including those involving U.S. forces.
In a statement, the ICC declared, “These sanctions represent a blatant assault on the independence of an impartial judicial institution.”
The court expressed its unwavering support for its personnel and for victims of “unimaginable atrocities,” asserting that it would “continue fulfilling its mandates, undeterred” and “without regard to any restrictions, pressure, or threats.”
This recent action follows earlier sanctions against four other judges and the court’s prosecutor.
