The Donald Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions on two judges and two prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ICC a “national security threat.” It also accused it of targeting American and Israeli officials. The four officials sanctioned include French judge Nicolas Guillou, Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. They have been linked to cases involving alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and the Gaza conflict.
The decision drew sharp criticism from France, the United Nations, and the ICC itself. Paris urged Washington to reverse its move, calling the judges’ work vital for global justice. UN warned that the decision undermines the court’s independence and weakens international accountability.
The sanctions mark the second wave of actions by Washington. Similar measures were taken against four other ICC judges just three months ago.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri over alleged crimes during the Gaza conflict. It also continues to investigate war crimes in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Venezuela, and the Philippines.
The court, established in 2002, has jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in its 125 member states. However, major powers including the US, Russia, China, and Israel do not recognise its authority.
The ICC urged member nations to stand firm against US pressure, stressing that its work is carried out “in the sole interest of victims of international crimes.”
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
