In a recent address to the International Criminal Court's annual meeting, the president of the court criticized the United States and Russia for interfering with its investigations. The court has been threatened with economic sanctions by the U.S. following the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others for crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
This marks the first time a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been called out by the court. The U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham labeled the court a 'dangerous joke' and threatened sanctions against countries supporting the ICC.
Russia also issued arrest warrants in response to investigations into President Vladimir Putin. The court, established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, relies on member states to execute arrest warrants.
Global reactions to the arrest warrants vary, with some countries expressing support for the court's work while others question the decisions. The U.S. President Joe Biden criticized the warrants for Netanyahu but supported the warrant for Putin, despite the U.S. not being an ICC member.
Experts warn that sanctions against the court could undermine global justice efforts and impact individuals contributing to its work. The court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, faces internal pressures amid allegations of misconduct, which will be investigated externally.
With no trials pending after December, the court faces challenges in bringing high-profile suspects to justice, as some member states have refused to cooperate in arresting individuals wanted by the ICC. The court's effectiveness and legitimacy are being questioned in light of these developments.
