ICC president promises to stand firm against pressure from US and Russia despite sanctions and threats

THE HAGUE, Netherlands The head of the International Criminal Court declared at the court's annual session on Monday that it will resist any external influence from the United States or Russia. Nine personnel, including six judges and the chief prosecutor, have been targeted by sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump due to ongoing investigations involving U.S. and Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Russia has issued arrest warrants for ICC staff in retaliation for a warrant targeting President Vladimir Putin over the conflict in Ukraine.

We will never yield to any form of pressure, Judge Tomoko Akane emphasized to representatives from the courts 125 member nations. The sanctions have affected the courts operations, complicating a range of investigations at a time when resources are increasingly stretched.

Last year, Akane had already warned of potential threats to the court from the Trump administration. Shortly after beginning his second term, Trump enacted an executive order sanctioning Prosecutor Karim Khan in connection with investigations into Israel, a key U.S. ally.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes linked to Israel's military actions in Gaza following the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

The weeklong ICC session began Monday, with agenda items including the approval of the courts budget amid mounting pressure and negative international coverage.

Founded in 2002, the ICC serves as the global permanent tribunal tasked with prosecuting the gravest offenses war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression. Nations such as the U.S., Israel, Russia, and China are not members. The court intervenes only when countries fail or refuse to prosecute such crimes within their own jurisdictions. Without a police force, the ICC depends on member nations to enforce arrest warrants.

Adding to the courts challenges, Prosecutor Khan has temporarily stepped down pending an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Pivi Kaukoranta, president of the Assembly of States Parties, noted that the investigation has taken longer than anticipated. I understand that states are frustrated by the duration of this process, she remarked, while no completion date has been announced.

Author: Sophia Brooks