The International Criminal Court in The Hague has strongly rejected new US sanctions announced by the Trump administration and vowed to continue its work.
The court is the only permanent court prosecuting the worst crimes and is supported by 125 states. ICC President Tomoko Akane called the sanctions “an attack against sovereign states that have created the court” and “an attack against victims of mass atrocities”. She added: “The ICC will not bow to external threats.”
Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen says the court has tried to become independent from US companies. But with European banks and other companies also complying with the sanctions, the ICC will face a real challenge in keeping operating.
The sanctions come hours after the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to former ICC judge Navi Pillay for her efforts to fight for international justice.
The sanctions take effect in six months, giving European governments time to decide how to respond.
Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from The Hague.
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