U.S. Sanctions ICC Judges over War Crimes Cases

The U.S. imposed unprecedented sanctions on ICC judges for cases involving alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and an arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine the court's independence, with notable sanctions targeting four specific judges.

The Trump administration intensified its conflict with the International Criminal Court by imposing sanctions on four judges on Thursday. These sanctions respond to the court's investigations into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan and the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The U.S. designated Solomy Balungi Bossa, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou, and Beti Hohler, accusing them of participating in what it considers an illegitimate investigation into actions by the U.S. and its ally, Israel.

This decision marks a further escalation, following the 2020 sanctions on prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. The orders threaten financial restraints for those targeted, but the Treasury Department allows a temporary reprieve for transactions until July 8, provided payments occur through blocked U.S. accounts.

(With inputs from agencies.)