ICC slams US sanctions on judges as assault on judicial independence
In a statement, the ICC warned that threatening judges for carrying out their legal duties endangers the entire international legal system and undermines the rule of law. The court reaffirmed its support for its personnel and for victims of serious crimes, stressing that it operates under a mandate granted by its 125 member states.
The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused the judges of involvement in what he called the illegitimate targeting of Israel, citing their role in rulings related to investigations of Israeli nationals. The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, also condemned the move, insisting international courts must function free from political interference.
In a statement, Rubio said: “Today, I am designating two International Criminal Court judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, pursuant to Executive Order 14203,” referencing the order signed by President Donald Trump in February authorizing sanctions against the court.
Rubio accused the two judges of directly participating in ICC efforts to pursue investigations, arrests, detention, or prosecutions of Israeli citizens without Israel’s approval, saying: “These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel’s consent.”
Haman rights organization, including Israeli NGOs, and independent experts, including UN investigators, found evidence that support the finding that Israel committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crime of genocide.
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