Nobel winner attacks US sanctions

Navi Pillay, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for promoting peace and international law, has called US sanctions on the International Criminal Court unacceptable and unheard of.

“This is unheard of, unacceptable.”

Trump rejects Pillay's selection

US President Donald Trump expressed displeasure with Pillay's selection. Hours later, the US unveiled sweeping sanctions against the ICC, describing it as a rogue institution.

Sanctions target ICC operations

The sanctions ban US entities from making transactions with the ICC and target the court as an institution. The US has already sanctioned seventeen ICC judges and officials.

Washington defends its action

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said sanctions are intended to defend US sovereignty and accused the court of seeking to prosecute Americans. The Trump administration claims the ICC is run by globalists.

Six-month grace period granted

The US has provided a six-month grace period before some sanctions take effect, allowing member states to keep paying for ICC operations. Washington says this gives countries time to negotiate a solution.

Global allies condemn the move

The UK, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said they regret and strongly disagree with the sanctions. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called it a serious blow to international criminal justice.