The United States has increased pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague by placing four of the court's judges on a sanctions list.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the judges had actively participated in what he described as the unlawful and unfounded actions of the ICC against the USA and its close ally, Israel. He accused the ICC of being “politicised.”
The court had previously faced US sanctions following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who accused it of abusing its power by issuing arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The ICC responded, asserting that the US sanctions represented a “blatant attempt” to undermine the independence of an international judicial body that operates with a mandate from 125 countries worldwide.
Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. The United States is not a member of the court.
