The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed a strong disapproval to the additional designations for sanctions which were announced on Thursday, June 5, 2025, by the United States of four judges of the Court.
In a statement, ICC described the sanctions as a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe.
Which ICC Judges were sanctioned by Trump?
The US announced the sanctions on ICC’s second Vice-President Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou from Benin, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru) and Judge Beti Hohler (Slovenia).
These additional designations follow the earlier designation of Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC.
The court said it provides justice and hope to millions of victims of unimaginable atrocities, in strict adherence to the Rome Statute, and maintains the highest standards in protecting the rights of suspects and the victims.
“Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict,” read part of the statement.
“It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity. These sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court, including nationals and corporate entities of States Parties,” it added.
According to ICC, the latest sanctions are aimed against innocent victims in all situations before the Court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.
“The ICC stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred, in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process, with a view to bringing justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression,” it affirmed.
Why US sanctioned ICC officials
US President Donald Trump has earlier this year issued an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC, citing its alleged targeting of the US and its ally Israel.
The US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC).
It signed the treaty in 2000, but never ratified it, and in 2002, the Bush administration formally withdrew its signature.
