U.S. Sanctions on ICC Judges Deepen Rift as Court Staff Face Daily Strain

Judges and prosecutors at the International Criminal Court are now living under U.S. sanctions. The measures were imposed by the Trump administration after the court pursued probes involving U.S. and Israeli officials. The sanctions affect nine ICC staff members. They include six judges and Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. The actions apply worldwide and have reshaped daily life for those targeted.

According to the Associated Press, the sanctions block access to banks, travel, and basic digital services. They also apply to family members. ICC officials say the pressure is severe and hits both their work and personal lives.

How U.S. Sanctions Disrupt ICC Staff

The sanctions cut off ICC officials from U.S. financial systems. Some lost bank accounts. Others saw credit cards stop working with no warning. According to AP, Karim Khan lost his U.S. visa and access to basic online tools. Even his ICC email account linked to Microsoft was suspended.

Canadian judge Kimberly Prost said she could not use her credit cards shortly after being added to the list. Her Amazon services also stopped working. She said these small issues build up and create stress. Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, another sanctioned judge, said her daughters can no longer attend U.S. conferences.

The sanctions hit during a difficult period for the court. The ICC is dealing with major investigations and internal strains. Khan stepped aside earlier this year due to a misconduct inquiry. He denies all claims. Staff fear the U.S. could sanction the entire ICC next. That could freeze salaries, witness support, and daily court functions.

Why the U.S. Imposed the Sanctions

The Trump administration said the sanctions defend U.S. sovereignty. The White House called the ICC’s Afghanistan investigation “illegitimate.” A State Department spokesman told AP the U.S. will not allow its citizens or Israeli officials to face what it views as improper court jurisdiction.

The ICC argues it steps in only when nations will not prosecute serious crimes. The court has no police force. It relies on member states to carry out arrests. This makes cases against U.S. or Israeli officials unlikely. But figures like Russia’s Vladimir Putin still face travel risks after ICC warrants.

Judges like Prost and Ibáñez say the sanctions will not stop their work. They both stated they have handled dangerous cases before and will continue to serve.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are ICC sanctions?

They are U.S. restrictions placed on ICC judges and prosecutors. They block access to U.S. financial systems and travel. They also affect daily services tied to U.S. companies.

Q2: Why did the U.S. sanction ICC officials?

The U.S. acted after the ICC approved probes involving U.S. and Israeli personnel. Washington said the investigations were improper and threatened national sovereignty.

Q3: Who has been affected by these sanctions?

Nine ICC staff members have been targeted. They include six judges and Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Their families have also been impacted.

Q4: How do the sanctions affect daily life?

Staff lose access to bank services, credit cards, and online platforms tied to U.S. providers. Some also face travel bans. These issues create lasting disruptions.

Q5: Can the sanctions be lifted soon?

There is no fast path to removal. Previous sanctions on ICC staff were lifted only after a change in the U.S. administration. Officials say the process is slow and political.