US imposes sanctions on ICC Judges

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned the recent announcement by the United States administration imposing new sanctions on Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia. These latest measures come after the earlier designation of nine elected officials from the Judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor, representing all regional groups.

The ICC described the sanctions as a blatant attack on the independence of an impartial judicial institution, which operates under the mandate conferred by its States Parties. The Court stressed that targeting judges and prosecutors elected by States Parties threatens the rule of law, warning that when judicial actors face intimidation for applying the law, the integrity of the international legal system itself is undermined.

Reaffirming its commitment, the ICC stated it will continue to support its personnel and the victims of serious international crimes, carrying out its mandate independently and impartially in full accordance with the Rome Statute.

The Court also expressed appreciation for the ongoing solidarity shown by States Parties, civil society, and supporters of the rule of law, emphasizing that it will persist in working with partners to ensure the effective and independent implementation of its mandate.