Justice under siege: U.S. moves against ICC to shield war criminals

In a statement published on its official website, the ICC denounced the sanctions imposed on two judges and two prosecutors, describing them as an “attack on the independence of an impartial judicial body that operates under the authority of 125 member states from all regions.”

The statement reaffirmed the Court’s unwavering commitment to its staff and to victims of “unimaginable atrocities,” stressing that the ICC will continue carrying out its mandate “without hindrance and regardless of any restrictions, pressures, or threats.”

It further noted that these sanctions represent “an insult to member states of the Court, the international rules-based order, and—most importantly—the millions of innocent victims worldwide.” The ICC emphasized, as previously declared by its President, judiciary, and the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, that it “firmly stands with its staff and the victims of unimaginable crimes.”

The Court called on member states and all who share the values of humanity and the rule of law to offer strong and consistent support for the ICC and its work, which is carried out solely in the interest of victims of international crimes.

The U.S. had already sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors, and on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, it added four more to the list. Among them is French judge Nicolas Guillou, who presides over the arrest warrant case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also sanctioned are Canadian judge Kimberly Prost, who played a key role in the investigation of U.S. military crimes in Afghanistan; Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji; and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal, both deputy prosecutors.

On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the use of starvation as a weapon.

Earlier, in December 2023, South Africa had filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention in its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.