ICC governing body has ‘deep concern’ over attempts to impose sanctions on court, personnel

The governing body of the International Criminal Court says it has “deep concern” about sanctions against the court and its personnel, following efforts in the United States to penalize the institution in protest of its arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes in Gaza.

In a statement published on its website, the ICC warns that sanctions “can severely hamper ongoing investigations in all situations and other activities of the court and affect the safety of victims, witnesses and sanctioned individuals.”

Rejecting what it says are “attempts to undermine the Court’s independence, integrity and impartiality,” the ICC vows to “uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity undeterred by any threats or measures” levied against the international body.

US President Donald Trump reversed an executive order earlier this week and renewed sanctions against members of the ICC who probe US troops.

At the same time, attempts by Congress to advance its own sanctions against the court in protest of the arrest warrants still need to get through a divided Senate.