The United States was sanctioned by a four judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing them “illegitimate and unfounded actions” directed against the US and Israel.
The sanctions released the US Secretary of State of the Marco Rubio, and relate to Judges Solom Balungi Bossu (Uganda), Luz Carranzu (Peru), Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin) and Beti Hohler (Slovenia).
This decision comes after ICC issued the arrest orders of Israeli, Benjamin Netanyahu and the former Defense of the Yoav Gallanta, which are charged with crimes committed during the Israeli offensive in Gaza, including challenge hunger and war crimes.
According to the available information, two of the sanctioned judges were approved by orders for arresting Israeli officials, while the remaining two supported ICC investigation into the alleged abuses committed by US soldiers in Afghanistan.
Rubio said these judges “actively participated in the politicized actions of the ICC”, which he stated, represent the threat to the sovereignty and national security of the United States and its allies.
“The International Criminal Court falsely claims that it has an unlimited discretion to explore and prosecute the citizens of the United States and our Allies,” Rubio said, adding to “the abuse of power” that will have consequences.
Recall, former US President Donald Trump has previously ordered the preparation of sanctions against ICC judges and prosecutors, after the court began to conduct investigations involving American and Israeli military action.
This decision is a new escalation of a long-term dispute between Washington and the International Criminal Court, the Institution never officially recognized, and which the Trump Administration openly disputes.
The United States has previously introduced sanctions against the ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who signed orders for the arrest of Israeli officials.
(Vijesti.ba)
