ICC Condemns US Sanctions on Its Judges as Political and Dangerous

DID Press: Mam Mandaye Niang, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), criticized the U.S. government’s sanctions against ICC judges as “political, dangerous, and unprecedented,” stating that Washington is treating the court’s judges the same way it treats “terrorists and drug traffickers.”

The sanctions followed the issuance of arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant, accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza genocide.

Niang expressed concern that no steps have yet been taken to arrest Netanyahu and Galant, noting that executing arrest warrants depends on cooperation from member states. He also referenced the in absentia trial of Joseph Kony, the Ugandan rebel leader, emphasizing that while the process is challenging, it plays a critical role in preserving evidence and hearing victims’ testimonies; however, it is not a substitute for a full trial and can only be used to substantiate charges with judges’ approval.

Despite widespread political pressure, Niang reaffirmed the ICC’s commitment to pursuing accountability for mass crimes worldwide, noting that collective crimes continue and that the court’s role is more crucial than ever. He stated, “The court is here, and we wish it were not necessary, but despite efforts to undermine it, it will continue its work.”