France Denounces New US Sanctions Against ICC Officials
France has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' latest sanctions targeting two additional judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging Washington to withdraw all punitive measures against the international body. The French Foreign Ministry stated that these actions represent an attack on judicial independence and the 125 states party to the Rome Statute.
Details of the Recent Sanctions
The latest sanctions, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, December 18, 2025, target ICC judges Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia. These measures were imposed due to their alleged 'direct engagement' in what the US described as the 'illegitimate targeting of Israel.' Specifically, the sanctions are linked to a recent decision by the ICC to uphold arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who face accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The sanctions typically involve bans on travel to the US and the freezing of any assets held within the country, making financial transactions difficult for those targeted.
France's Official Stance and Broader European Concern
In an official statement, the French Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay and reiterated its unwavering support for the ICC. Paris declared that it 'condemns all forms of threats and coercive measures' aimed at the ICC, its personnel, and civil society organizations that support the court. The ministry emphasized that the ICC must be able to carry out its mandate free from political pressure and expressed solidarity with the affected judges. France pledged to continue working with its European partners and other signatories of the Rome Statute to ensure the court's independent and impartial functioning. Several other European nations, including Belgium, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway, have also voiced concern and reaffirmed their support for the ICC's independence.
Context of Ongoing US-ICC Tensions
These recent sanctions are part of a series of measures taken by the US against the ICC. Earlier in 2025, Executive Order 14203, signed on February 6, 2025, initiated sanctions against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and other officials. In August 2025, sanctions were extended to include four judges, among them French national Judge Nicolas Guillou, and two deputy prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang. The US has consistently argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over its personnel and those of its allies, as neither the US nor Israel are parties to the Rome Statute. This stance has led to a diplomatic rift with many of its closest allies, who are strong supporters of the court.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
Another example of the ICC being a kangaroo court. Sanctions are deserved.
Kyle Broflovski
Accountability for alleged war crimes is crucial, but the timing and political implications of these warrants are undeniable. The US response, while aggressive, stems from a perceived bias against its ally, even if the method is questionable.
Eric Cartman
France's defense of the ICC's independence is understandable given its commitment to international law. However, the US views these actions as politically motivated targeting, which fuels a cycle of escalating tensions rather than resolving the core issues.
Kyle Broflovski
The situation highlights the tension between national sovereignty and universal justice. Both sides have arguments, but strong-arming judges only escalates an already complex diplomatic problem.
Stan Marsh
Israel has a right to defend itself. The ICC is weaponizing law.