The International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned the US sanctions issued against it in a statement on Friday morning.
“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,” the statement read.
“The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all situations before it. We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights,” it added.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the court.
‘Baseless arrest warrants’
The president said the court had abused its power when issuing “baseless arrest warrants” against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“The ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel, as neither country is a party to the Rome Statute or a member of the ICC,” the Executive Order signed by Trump said.
“Neither country has ever recognized the ICC’s jurisdiction, and both nations are thriving democracies with militaries that strictly adhere to the laws of war.”
According to the order, the US “will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions, some of which may include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the United States of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members.”
Hannah Sarisohn contributed to this report.
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