In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of posing a threat to the U.S. and its ally, Israel. This decision followed the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli officials, triggering strong reactions from Washington.

The ICC, based in The Hague, reaffirmed its commitment to its independence, firmly rejecting the U.S. sanctions. It called on member states and civil society to support its mission to deliver justice and protect human rights. International law expert Mohammed Mehran warned that these sanctions set a dangerous precedent, threatening the autonomy of the international judiciary and undermining its ability to hold perpetrators of crimes accountable.

Mehran highlighted that the sanctions could embolden other nations to challenge the court’s authority, undermining the global criminal justice system. He stressed the importance of a united international response to safeguard the court’s independence and to reject any external attempts to influence its work.

In response to the U.S. sanctions, seventy-nine countries expressed their support for the ICC, emphasizing the dangers of impunity and the weakening of international law. These countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the continued functioning of the court without political interference.

European officials also voiced their opposition to the sanctions, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressing the importance of supporting the court’s efforts against impunity. The United Kingdom additionally declared its intention not to impose sanctions on ICC officials.

These developments come at a critical time, as the global community seeks to strengthen, rather than undermine, mechanisms of international justice. Amid warnings about the implications of U.S. sanctions, there is hope that the international community will restore faith in the global legal system and continue to uphold the protection of human rights.