Bloc says measures against court officials undermine international justice and threaten the independence of the world’s top war crimes tribunal
By Heapnews
The European Union has condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court President Judge Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, saying the measures undermine the global fight against impunity.
In a statement, the EU reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as a cornerstone of the international criminal justice system.
The bloc said the court played a critical role in ensuring accountability for the world’s most serious crimes and stressed that its independence and ability to carry out its mandate must be protected from pressure, intimidation and interference.
“Sanctions against the Court, its officials and personnel undermine its work,” the EU said.
The EU said it would continue to provide full support to the ICC and work to protect the court and its staff from external threats and pressure.
It also reiterated its commitment to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Hague-based court, and called for the protection of the ICC’s independence and integrity.