UN chief decries US sanctions on International Criminal Court, warns of justice setback

In a Friday statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court, describing the step as a grave threat to collective efforts at international criminal justice. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, reiterated Guterres’s unwavering backing for the court’s autonomy and its officials. The condemnation adds to a chorus of disapproval from the European Union and a coalition of nations including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and Spain.

The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, said the six-month period before the sanctions become active allows space for diplomatic dialogue, according to Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. Belgium’s Maxime Prevot urged the activation of the EU Blocking Statute to shield the court, while German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig labeled the U.S. action “utterly staggering” given its historic role in establishing the Nuremberg trials. Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant, welcomed the sanctions, calling the court a political entity threatening democracies.