By decree
Trump orders sanctions against the International Criminal Court
The United States and Israel do not recognize the criminal court. Now Donald Trump increases the pressure on the institution – because some investigations do not fit at all.
US President Donald Trump has ordered sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court “abused its power” by issuing unfounded arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the then Defense Minister Joav Galant, according to Trump’s order. The Republican accuses the court of “malignant behavior”.
Trump and Netanyahu came together in the White House on Tuesday. The USA does not recognize the ISTGH like Israel.
International arrest warrants had been issued against Netanyahu and against Israel’s Minister of Defense Galant last year due to alleged war crimes in the Gaza War. Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden and a number of parliamentarians of both parties had also sharply criticized Chief Channel Karim Khan against Israel.
Trump also accuses the court of claiming his responsibility “without legitimate basis” and initiating preliminary investigations against US staff.
Donald Trump sanctioned the criminal court for the second time
A legislative project to sanction the court had failed in the congress at the end of January. Several democratic senators blocked the draft because they feared disadvantages for US companies and demanded corresponding exceptions.
Trump now ordered sanctions against the court employee and supporters who are involved in investigations, charges or arrest warrants against US personnel or allies such as Israel. According to Trump’s arrangement, assets are to be frozen, and US people and companies are prohibited from financial and economic transactions with them.
Under certain conditions, the Ministry of Finance can issue exceptional permits for companies or organizations. People affected by the sanctions are banned to the United States.
It is not the first time that Trump sanctioned the ISTGH. He signed a corresponding decision during his first term because the court had investigated alleged war crimes by US soldiers in Afghanistan. In September 2020, sanctions were subsequently imposed against the then chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda. Biden reversed this shortly after the beginning of his term in April 2021.
Note: This post has been updated.
Reuters
TKR / CL
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
