France Condemns US Sanctions on ICC Judges, Calls for Withdrawal of Measures

ISTANBUL: France on Friday strongly condemned the United States for imposing sanctions on two additional judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging Washington to withdraw all measures targeting the court.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the latest sanctions, which came on top of earlier restrictions applied to nine other ICC judges. Paris said the measures “amount to an attack on the institution and all 125 states party to the Rome Statute.”

“These measures are contrary to the principle of judicial independence,” the ministry emphasized, noting that the ICC must be able to carry out its mandate free from political pressure.

France expressed solidarity with the judges affected by the sanctions and reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for the ICC and its staff. The statement added that Paris will continue coordinating with European partners and other Rome Statute member states to ensure that the ICC operates independently and impartially.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions, claiming the two judges were “directly engaged in the illegitimate targeting of Israel.” The move follows previous US sanctions against ICC officials who authorized arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

France’s statement underscores growing international concern over the political pressure exerted on the ICC and the need to uphold the court’s independence.