The United States has imposed sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to actions perceived as targeting the U.S. and Israel. The individuals affected by these sanctions are Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza from Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou from Benin, and Beti Hohler from Slovenia. These measures were enacted under President Trump's Executive Order 14203.
According to the statement, these judges have been involved in ICC efforts to investigate or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel without their consent. The U.S. and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.
The announcement describes the ICC's actions as "illegitimate and baseless," accusing it of overstepping its authority by claiming discretion to prosecute U.S. nationals and allies. This stance is seen as an infringement on national sovereignty and security.
"The United States will take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other U.S. ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC," stated a spokesperson.
The statement also calls upon countries supporting the ICC to reconsider their stance due to what is described as an attack on both nations' interests.
For further details regarding these sanctions, references are made to resources provided by the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury.
