The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on the international organization. The ICC, which is located in The Hague, released a statement disapproving of the executive order issued by the U.S. This order aims to penalize ICC officials, and the court believes it will negatively affect its ability to conduct independent judicial work. The ICC’s main goal is to prosecute individuals accused of serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The U.S. government has often criticized the International Criminal Court, especially concerning investigations into possible war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. These sanctions from the Trump administration appear to be a direct reaction to these investigations, which the U.S. government believes violate its national sovereignty. According to the court’s official statement, the ICC “condemns the issuance by the US of an executive order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work.”
In addition to the ICC’s response, other countries and organizations have also voiced their concerns. The Netherlands, as the host country of the ICC, along with the European Union, expressed disappointment regarding the U.S. sanctions. Furthermore, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp shared his concerns on social media, emphasizing the Netherlands’ support for the ICC’s important mission. Ultimately, these sanctions have further complicated the already tense relationship between the U.S. and the International Criminal Court.