Eight global foreign ministries, including those of Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, expressed their condemnation in a joint statement regarding the punitive decisions issued by the US administration on Friday against the International Criminal Court. The signatory nations include Canada,
Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The statement, published by the British Foreign Office, emphasized a firm and unwavering support for the court's independence, neutrality, and immunity, noting that as staunch supporters, they deeply regret
and strongly oppose the American sanctions. The eight nations argued that these measures will have a profound impact on the tribunal's operations and personnel, expressing their determination to continue cooperating to support its activities. Previously, the administration of US President
Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Friday prohibiting financial transactions with the court, aiming to paralyze its functions. The court described this move as an unprecedented step intended to disrupt its work and intimidate its staff. US Secretary of State Marco
Rubio announced the sanctions in a video message, targeting the court as an entity rather than just its officials or supporters. Rubio vowed to dismantle the court piece by piece unless it ends what Washington considers a threat to its
citizens. He stated that President Trump would never allow Americans to be prosecuted by the court, with his remarks hinting that the sanctions are a response to investigations concerning US military personnel in Afghanistan and arrest warrants issued against Israeli
officials. The US State Department explained that exemptions accompanying the sanctions are designed to give member states time to make tangible progress toward diplomatic and legal solutions to American concerns. Observers believe that targeting the institution as a whole, which
comprises about 900 employees, makes it difficult for the court to shield itself from the effects of the sanctions. In response, the court urged member states to redouble their support. Furthermore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the new sanctions imposed
on the court as an institution. Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated during a press conference on Friday that the American sanctions will affect Washington's relations with Europe and other member states of the Rome Statute. The court currently
has 125 member states, and the US government does not recognize its jurisdiction over citizens of countries that have not joined it.
