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Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Amid Global Criticism
U.S. President Donald Trump authorizes sanctions on ICC officials investigating U.S. or allied actions, sparking international backlash from the EU and praise from Hungary.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-07
Trump Imposes Sanctions on ICC Amid Global Criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized economic and travel sanctions targeting individuals involved in International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations of U.S. citizens or allies such as Israel, drawing widespread condemnation from European leaders and praise from Hungary.

The ICC is a permanent court tasked with prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.

The move coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Netanyahu is reportedly under ICC scrutiny for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Global Condemnation

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the sanctions, calling them "the wrong tool."

“They jeopardize an institution that ensures dictators cannot start wars without accountability,” said Scholz.

European Council President Antonio Costa echoed these sentiments, warning that the sanctions "undermine the international criminal justice system."

The Netherlands, home to the court in The Hague, expressed regret over the U.S. move.

The ICC condemned the sanctions, pledging continued support for its personnel and commitment to justice for victims of atrocities.

Hungary Voices Support

However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally, praised the sanctions.

"It's time for Hungary to review what we're doing in an international organization that is under U.S. sanctions! New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado," Orban declared.

Sanctions and Implications

The sanctions include freezing U.S.-based assets of ICC officials and imposing travel bans on them and their families.

Court officials in The Hague convened emergency meetings to assess the potential impact. Measures have reportedly been taken to prepay staff salaries in anticipation of financial restrictions.

During Trump’s previous term in 2020, similar sanctions targeted then-prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over an ICC investigation into alleged war crimes by American troops in Afghanistan.

Global Legal Ramifications

The ICC faces mounting challenges as other nations, including Russia, have taken aggressive stances against it.

In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. In response, Russia banned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan and placed him and two judges on its wanted list.

As global leaders weigh their next steps, the move underscores shifting dynamics in international law and diplomacy.

 
Tagged:

ICC

WarCrimes

InternationalJustice

GlobalPolitics

TrumpSanctions
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