Washington [US], December 20: The US government has imposed sanctions against two more judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigations against Israeli citizens, it said on Thursday.
The ICC "has continued to engage in politicized actions targeting Israel, which set a dangerous precedent for all nations," according to a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The government accused the court of "abuses of power" that violate the sovereignty of the United States and its close ally Israel.
Judges Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia and Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia were placed on the sanctions list, according to a separate statement by the US Treasury Department. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision.
This year, the US government targeted ICC judges and prosecutors on several occasions. Among other steps, the US imposed sanctions on Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who is currently on leave due to allegations of sexual assault.
Washington has repeatedly accused the court, based in The Hague, of abuse of power.
Since 2002, the ICC has been prosecuting the most serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. All EU states were members until Hungary announced its withdrawal in June. The US, Israel and Russia are not signatory states. Just over a year ago, the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspicion of war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
