UN experts urged the US Senate to oppose the International Criminal Court Sanctions Bill. This Bill seeks to impose sanctions and cut funding to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Bill is being considered to be the outcome of the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against the Israeli leaders. The arrest warrant was issued for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.
ICC Sanction Bill-
The arrest warrant against the Israeli leaders leads to the passing of the Bill in the US House of Representatives on the 9th of January, 2025. The Bill titled the ‘Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which would take effect after 60 days from the date of enactment. The Bill was introduced by a member named Chip Roy. The Act would sanction any Individual working to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute American Citizens or an official from an allied US Country, including Israel. It would also rescind any funds the US has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money also.
UN Experts opinion-
The UN experts strongly opposed the Act and said, “It is shocking to see a country that considers itself a champion of the Rule of Law trying to stymie the actions of an independent and impartial tribunal set up by the international community, to thwart accountability.” The experts also warned stating, “Threats against ICC promote a culture of Impunity. They make a mockery of the decades-long quest to place law above force and atrocity.”
They have also warned that if sanctions would carried out then it would amount to offences against the administration of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute. Article 70 punishes efforts to impede or intimidate an official of the court or to retaliate against an official of the court on account of duties performed by that official.
They also urged the US lawmakers to uphold the Rule of Law and the independence of judges and lawyers. we call on States to respect the Court’s independence as a judicial institution and protect the independence and impartiality of those who work within the court.
The warrant-
In the month of November 2024 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant togather with a former Hamas commander, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Judges have found sufficient evidence establishing reasonable grounds to believe the suspects are responsible for crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction.
