Nobel peace laureate calls US sanctions against ICC unacceptable

Navi Pillay, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, condemned US sanctions against the International Criminal Court. The former ICC judge said punishing judges for their judicial decisions was “unheard of” and “unacceptable.” She received the prize on Friday for promoting peace and international law.

The United States imposed measures against the court itself, including a ban on US entities conducting transactions with the ICC. Washington says the court is seeking to prosecute Americans and threatens US sovereignty.

Sanctions include a six-month grace period

Some provisions will take effect after a six-month grace period. This allows member states to continue funding the court while countries negotiate a solution intended to address US concerns.

The US has already sanctioned 17 ICC judges and officials, but the latest measures target the institution’s ability to operate financially. The Donald Trump administration is also angered by a now-closed investigation into US soldiers’ actions in Afghanistan and by arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The new sanctions do not require those warrants to be withdrawn before the measures can be lifted.

ICC and allies reject the measures

The ICC called the sanctions an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the decision was a serious blow to international criminal justice, with the court serving as one of its key pillars.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said they regretted and strongly disagreed with the sanctions.

Pillay spoke by video link at an event at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo on Saturday. At 85, she became South Africa’s fifth Nobel Peace Prize laureate; she previously served as UN rights chief and worked on cases involving Rwanda, Myanmar and Gaza.

Trump called Pillay’s selection “disgraceful and embarrassing” and “an indelible stain on the country of Norway.” He has repeatedly suggested that he deserved the prize and was nominated by several allies last year.