World
Costa and Von der Leyen express support for ICC after US sanctions
EU leaders today showed support for the ICC president, who faced sanctions from the US.
Today, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, António Costa and Ursula Von der Leyen, declared 'strong support' for the International Criminal Court (ICC). This statement came in response to recent sanctions imposed by the United States on the ICC president and a lawyer.
The US sanctions include asset freezes and a ban on transactions with American entities. These sanctions reflect the increasing tension between the US and the ICC, which is responsible for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Costa and Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the ICC in promoting international justice. Both leaders stressed that the European Union's support for the Court is unwavering, highlighting its crucial role in protecting human rights.
This expression of support comes at a delicate time, where the autonomy of the ICC and its ability to act are being tested by external pressures, particularly from US authorities.