EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended the International Criminal Court and stood by its mission after it was hit with sanctions through an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. The executive order, which can be read here, includes sanctions against anyone who funds the International Criminal Court. Sanctions are imposed on the ICC Prosecutor and anyone executing the arrest warrants on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his previous Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
It is unclear what type of action the European Union will take to support the ICC, but the ICC will need banking and financial support following sanctions by the United States. This is not the first time that the United States government has clashed with the ICC, but it is the first time that the US has issued broad and effective sanctions against the international institution.
President Donald Trump stated in his executive order that neither the United States nor Israel are party to the Rome Statute and that the ICC has no jurisdiction over US or Israeli individuals. President Trump added that the ICC is subjecting the US ands Israel to harassment and abuse.
When asked about the incoming US sanctions, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that the ICC will not be dissuaded by any threats.
Newsroom
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