International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has become the first individual to face US sanctions under an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
The sanctions target ICC officials investigating US citizens or its allies for alleged war crimes. Khan, a British national, now faces economic restrictions, including:
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- Freezing of US-based assets
- A ban on traveling to the United States
- Travel restrictions for his family members
ICC Responds to US Sanctions
The ICC swiftly condemned the sanctions, stating that it stands by its staff and remains committed to seeking justice for victims of atrocities worldwide.
Court officials gathered in The Hague to discuss the implications of Trump’s actions, which echo similar sanctions imposed during his first term.
The ICC’s Role and Jurisdiction
Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. It has jurisdiction in member states and in cases referred by the United Nations Security Council.
Khan, in his role, provides regular updates to the UN Security Council, including on cases involving Libya and Sudan’s Darfur region. However, these sanctions may complicate his ability to travel for official duties.
UN and International Reaction
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized that the US must uphold its obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement, allowing ICC officials to enter the country for official briefings.
The move has sparked international criticism, with legal experts arguing that such sanctions undermine the ICC’s authority and hinder global efforts to prosecute war crimes.
