ICC Faces Scrutiny Over Arrest Warrants
During the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) annual meeting on Monday, President Tomoko Akane voiced her concerns regarding external pressures and threats from the US and Russia. The scrutiny arises amid the ICC’s recent issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the court’s struggle with a relatively sparse docket. Akane addressed representatives from the court’s 124 member states in The Hague, pointing out that the ICC is enduring “coercive measures, threats, pressure, and acts of sabotage.”
Threats to International Law
Akane passionately articulated that “international law and international justice are under threat,” warning that these challenges jeopardize the future of humanity. Last month, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan issued warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and Hamas’ military chief, all linked to allegations of crimes against humanity amid Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. The warrants have sparked intense backlash, particularly from the US, which is not a member of the ICC, leading to calls from some Republican lawmakers to impose sanctions on the court.
US Sanctions Amidst Criticism
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham denounced the ICC as “a dangerous joke” and threatened to sanction any allied nations—such as Canada, Britain, Germany, and France—if they cooperated with the ICC in enforcing the Netanyahu warrant. In a clear reference to Graham’s comments, Akane stated that the court faces potential economic sanctions from influential institutions, equating such actions to treatment typically reserved for terrorist organizations. This criticism resonates with a past incident where former President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC’s previous prosecutor for investigating US military actions in Afghanistan.
Russia’s Retaliation and Implications
Akane also took aim at Russia, which, like the US, is not an ICC member. She referenced Russia’s issuance of an arrest warrant against ICC Chief Prosecutor Khan following the court’s allegations against Putin for his role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Akane remarked that elected officials face grave consequences and arrest orders from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, underscoring the serious implications for international justice.
The ICC’s Ongoing Challenges
As the ICC convenes for its 23rd annual meeting, where it will elect committee members and approve a budget of approximately €187 million, questions linger regarding the court’s effectiveness. With only 11 convictions and four acquittals to date, and 30 individuals still wanted by the ICC, the court has faced increasing criticism over its perceived ineffectiveness. After two trials conclude in December, the ICC will find itself without any pending cases, renewing calls for member states to enhance their cooperation in executing arrest warrants and supporting international justice.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Independent
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