International Criminal Court Faces Backlash from US and Russia After Issuing Arrest Warrants
Court President Warns Attacks on Tribunal Threaten Justice
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing a mounting public attack and accusations of bias, primarily from the United States and Russia after issuing a series of arrest warrants against high-ranking officials.
The ICC President, Tomoko Akane, addressing Madame President,
in which she expressed grave concern over the escalating threats.
“These are crucial times for the ICC and designed to undermine its authority and effectiveness.
The court is portrayed as a threat, facing threats of sanctions, legislative measures and even military action,” she said. “Treating the ICC
with contempt and as if it were a terrorist organization. These wretched attacks jeopardize the court, and more broadly, the very rule of law.
expected
to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose party will control both houses of Congress and the White House, called the ICC a “dangerous joke” and threatened sanctions against the court and any nation cooperating with it.
In a fiery statement, he declared, “To any ally – Canada, Britain, Germany, France – if you try to help the ICC, we’re going to sanction you.”
Accusations against the court come after it issued warrants this year against Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior military leaders, alleging war crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine.
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The US House, controlled by Republicans
to sanction those aiding the ICC.
The Senate, currently under Democratic leadership, has not considered the bill.
Following the release of arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and byzantine defense minister, Sen. Cotton
.
“The court has no jurisdiction over Israel. We are a signatory to the Rome Statute which established the blocks,” he said.
“We firmly reject any attempt
The ICC’s jurisdiction over
Responding to the criticism, Akane
.
“The court is under continuous attacks intended to attacking its legitimacy and ability to deliver
Governments, people are deliberately trying to undermine the ICC.
The court has jurisdiction over the situation the situation in Palestine,
the United States has participated in the court’s actions raising questions over the legality of the Palestinian Authority.
definitive proof of Israeli
causing immense suffering.”
“The court has been subjected to attacks seeking to undermine its legitimacy and ability, “said Akane.
“These Specific threats against the
These forms of this behave and deliberate
are about to be considered.”
A SinisterL.
The ICC
The International Criminal Court
addressed by
the international community.
The court’s President Akane also underscored
people.”
We will not be deterred
What are the main criticisms leveled against the ICC by the U.S. and Russia?
## ICC Under Fire: A Conversation
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re discussing the escalating controversy surrounding the International Criminal Court. Joining me is Professor Sarah Jenkins, an expert in international law and the ICC. Professor Jenkins, thanks for being here.
**Professor Jenkins:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** There’s been a lot of backlash against the ICC recently, particularly from the United States and Russia following the issuance of arrest warrants. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Professor Jenkins:** Certainly. The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for several high-ranking officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. This has triggered strong reactions, particularly from the US and Russia, who accuse the court of bias and overreach.
**Host:** The ICC President, Tomoko Akane, expressed serious concerns about these attacks, warning
that they threaten the rule of law.
**Professor Jenkins:** Precisely. She highlighted the escalating threats against the court, including sanctions, legislative measures, and even the possibility of military action. This rhetoric is deeply concerning and undermines the ICC’s ability to carry out its mandate.
**Host:** Senator Lindsey Graham went as far as calling the ICC a “dangerous joke.”
**Professor Jenkins:** Yes, and he has threatened sanctions against the court. This kind of language is highly problematic. It fuels the narrative that the ICC is illegitimate and undermines its credibility on the global stage.
**Host:** This situation raises a lot of questions about the future of the ICC and its ability to function effectively.
**Professor Jenkins:** It’s a crucial moment for the ICC. It needs unwavering support from the international community to withstand this pressure and continue its work to hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable. If powerful nations continue to undermine the court, it will have far-reaching consequences for international justice.
**Host:** Professor Jenkins, thank you for your valuable insights. This is a topic we will continue to follow closely.
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