The United States government has announced stringent sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), just hours after a former judge of the tribunal was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee had framed the prize partly as a show of support for international institutions facing unprecedented political pressure.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a video statement declaring that the US regime would ban transactions with what he termed a "rogue court," cutting off its resources and crippling its operational capabilities. The American leadership claims the tribunal allegedly overstepped its mandate by pursuing individuals from non-member states, specifically condemning previous actions against Israeli and American officials.

The move has triggered intense global concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating he was deeply alarmed by the decision, calling it a severe blow to international criminal justice. Furthermore, foreign ministers from several allied nations expressed strong disagreement with the sanctions, warning of the profound instability such punitive measures introduce to the global legal architecture.

In response, the ICC strongly condemned the US actions, describing them as a blatant attempt to obstruct justice and intimidate judicial personnel. While the institution faces frozen assets and complex operational hurdles in the United States, legal experts suggest the court is actively developing contingency plans to circumvent these American restrictions and maintain its core mandate.

Source: www.aljazeera.com