ICC: US sanctions constitute an assault on the rule of law and foundations of the international legal system

Brussels, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) warned on Friday that U.S. sanctions against it constitute an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal system, affirming that they would not deter it from continuing its work independently and impartially. In a statement, the Court said the sanctions “represent an attack on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal system, and undermine the simple principle that no one is above the law.” It added that “these measures aim to intimidate Court staff and disrupt its activities,” stressing that it would not back down from carrying out its mandate despite such pressures.

The Court quoted its President, Tomoko Akane, as saying, “The Court will continue to fully execute its mandate independently and impartially, relying solely on the law and evidence, for the countless victims of serious crimes.” It called on the 125 states parties to the Rome Statute to stand by it in the face of these measures, emphasizing that “its fate now also lies in the hands of the states that established it.” It warned that “future generations, especially victims of mass atrocities, will wonder how the international community responded to the attack on an institution created to protect them, and history will judge this moment.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced earlier on Friday that the United States intends to impose broad sanctions on the ICC, which would prohibit financial transactions with it, cut off its resources, and paralyze its operations. He noted, however, that the measures are designed to be reversible if a diplomatic solution is reached that addresses Washington’s concerns. (End) A.R.N. / R.J.