UN Human Rights Chief to U.S. : Withdraw Sanctions against 4 International Criminal Court Judges
- Vineet Malik
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
By Vineet Malik | June 7, 2025 | India
The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned the United States (U.S.) yesterday for imposing sanctions against four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges by the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday..
Turk says “Attacks against judges run directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law – values for which the U.S. has long stood for.”
These sanctions are imposed in consequence to the ICC issuing arrest warrants against Israeli officials for probe into alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The ICC says “We deplore the sanctions which are a clear attempt to undermine its independence."
Turk is profoundly disturbed by the sanctions and called for their prompt reconsideration and withdrawal.
The four judges against whom these sanctions are issued are Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia.
These sanctions means, property and interests owned by the sanctioned judges in the U.S. to be blocked and reported to the Treasury department.
Rubio has accused the judges for their illegitimate and baseless actions targeting Israel and the U.S.
"ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate nationals of the U.S. and its allies. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the U.S and our allies" added Rubio.
Whereas, the ICC stands fully behind its personnel and will continue its work undeterred.
"Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict" says ICC.
Despite arrest warrant issues against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu by ICC last year, he has been roaming freely without any fear of arrest.
The ICC is the Court that delivers justice against States responsible for committing genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.