By KT Reporter
On June 5, 2025, the United States, under the Trump administration, imposed sanctions on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This action responds to the judges’ involvement in approving investigations into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan and issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The sanctioned judges are:
Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda)
Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru)
Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin)
Beti Hohler (Slovenia)
RATIONALIZING ALL THIS:
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the sanctions, authorized by a February executive order from former President Donald Trump, include freezing any assets the judges hold within U.S. jurisdictions.
Rubio criticized the ICC’s actions as politically motivated and illegitimate, asserting that they infringe upon the sovereignty of the U.S. and its allies.
The ICC condemned the sanctions, describing them as an attack on its independence and the authority granted by its 125 member states under the Rome Statute.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, also criticized the U.S. actions, viewing them as assaults on international justice and accountability.
This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and the ICC, reflecting ongoing disputes over the court’s jurisdiction and authority in prosecuting alleged international crimes. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
