France Condemns Washington's Sanctions Against International Criminal Court Judges Following Netanyahu Arrest Warrant and Demands Immediate Withdrawal

On Friday, France condemned "all forms of threats and repressive measures" against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its staff, following the sanctions imposed by the United States on two of the court's judges.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that "France has been informed of the United States adopting new sanctions against the International Criminal Court targeting two of its judges, in addition to sanctions previously imposed on nine other judges."

The statement added: "France condemns all forms of threats and repressive measures against the court, its staff, and the civil society organizations that support it."

The French Foreign Ministry called on the United States to "withdraw all these sanctions imposed under a presidential decree issued on February 6, 2025."

It clarified that "these measures constitute a violation of the court and the 125 member states of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and contradict the principle of judicial independence."

France expressed solidarity with the judges targeted by this decision and reaffirmed its strong support for the ICC and its staff, praising "their essential role in combating impunity."

It added: "France will continue, in cooperation with its European partners and other member states of the Rome Statute, to mobilize efforts so that the court can continue its mission independently and impartially to achieve justice for victims and those affected by the gravest crimes."

On Thursday, the US administration decided to impose sanctions on judges Guccha Lordkipanidze and Erdenbalsuren Damdin from the ICC Appeals Chamber, alleging their direct involvement in politicized and unlawful actions against Israel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said via the American platform "X": "The United States has been clear; we will continue to respond with significant and tangible consequences to protect against the ICC's exploitation of the law, abuse of power, and blatant disregard for the sovereignty of the United States and Israel."

In November 2024, the court in The Hague issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.

On August 20, the US administration announced sanctions against several judges and members of the ICC Prosecutor's Office, accusing them of taking "anti-Israel positions."

The genocide war initiated by Israel in Gaza on October 8, 2023, supported by Washington and lasting two years, has resulted in more than 70,000 Palestinian martyrs and 171,000 injured, most of whom are children and women, along with massive destruction. The United Nations estimated the reconstruction cost at about 70 billion dollars.