Story perspectives

ICC Chief Decries US Sanctions, Calls for EU Blocking Statute

5/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda called U.S. sanctions on judges ‘thuggish bullying’ and urged the EU to adopt a blocking statute.
In February 2025 the United States sanctioned 11 ICC officials after arrest warrants for Israeli cabinet members, prompting Bensouda to condemn the Dutch government’s slow response.
She urged state parties to create coordinated legal defence and indemnification, warning that financial risk could erode the court’s ability to pursue accountability.

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Story summary

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda called U.S. sanctions on judges ‘thuggish bullying’ and urged the EU to adopt a blocking statute.
In February 2025 the United States sanctioned 11 ICC officials after arrest warrants for Israeli cabinet members, prompting Bensouda to condemn the Dutch government’s slow response.
She urged state parties to create coordinated legal defence and indemnification, warning that financial risk could erode the court’s ability to pursue accountability.