US Imposes Sanctions on International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko
The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Ms Bensouda and Mr Mochochoko, head of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Co-operation Division, on Wednesday. The sanctions involve asset freezes and travel bans, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo labelling the ICC a 'thoroughly broken and corrupt institution'. This aggressive posture aligns with Washington's long-standing refusal to recognise the court's jurisdiction over its citizens.
This move escalates the Trump administration's campaign against the Hague-based court, which it has previously vowed to dismantle 'brick by brick'. The sanctions are a direct reprisal for the ICC's decision to proceed with an inquiry into actions by US forces in Afghanistan. Washington maintains that its own robust domestic legal system is capable of investigating and prosecuting any alleged misconduct by its military personnel.
The international community has largely condemned the US sanctions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted the importance of the ICC's work and urged its continued independence. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed serious concern, stating the US actions were 'unacceptable'. Critics argue that these sanctions represent an attempt to undermine international justice mechanisms, particularly when they seek to hold powerful nations accountable for alleged abuses.
The US has consistently sought to shield its personnel, along with those of its allies, from international prosecution, viewing the ICC's efforts as an infringement on national sovereignty. This latest imposition of sanctions underscores a cynical, self-serving policy aimed at preserving impunity for American military and intelligence operatives, rather than upholding global legal norms.
