The United States has unveiled sanctions on the International Criminal Court, prompting a sharp condemnation from the court.
ICC rejects pressure
The ICC described the sanctions as an “assault on the rule of law.” The court also said it would not be “deterred” by the measures.
The brief exchange sets out a direct clash between the U.S. action and the court’s stated determination to continue without being dissuaded by the sanctions.
Why the move matters
The sanctions place the ICC and the rule-of-law principles it invoked at the center of the dispute. Beyond the court’s condemnation, the ICC’s response makes clear that it does not view the measures as sufficient to deter it.