The International Criminal Court (ICC) judges collectively express their support and solidarity with their colleagues, who are facing sanctions or other coercive measures “aimed at undermining the independence of the judiciary.”
In a statement released on Thursday, June 12, the ICC emphasized it decides on legal matters based on facts and in accordance with the law, without regard to any restriction, improper influence, inducement, pressure, threat or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason.
“The Judges reaffirm that they are equal in the performance of their functions and that they will always uphold the principle of equality before the law,” the ICC said.
“The Judges of the International Criminal Court have full confidence in the Assembly of States Parties to react appropriately and undertake all measures in defence of the Court and its officials,” it added.
The court earlier denounced fresh sanctions made by the United States against ICC Second Vice-President Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin), Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru) and Judge Beti Hohler (Slovenia).
Alapini-Gansou is part of the ICC pre-trial chamber hearing the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier requested for her “excusal”—as well as Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera of Mexico—but was denied.
US Secretary of State said the sanctions leveled the four ICC judges were in compliance with Executive Order No. 14203 on Feb. 6 this year, over their role in investigating and prosecuting American and Israeli nationals.
The move stemmed from the ICC’s issuance of a warrant of arrest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity amid their military operations in Gaza.
“The Judges stand united and will continue to exercise their functions independently, impartially and conscientiously, fulfilling the demands of the rule of law,” the ICC said.
