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The International Criminal Court condemned, on Friday, the sanctions announced by the United States against it, considering them «an assault on the rule of law».
The court said in a statement that these sanctions represent «an assault on the rule of law and on the fundamental pillars of the international legal system, and undermine the simple principle that no one is above the law», considering that «history will judge this moment».
Earlier on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington will ban any dealings with what he described as a "rogue court", escalating the campaign led by President Donald Trump's administration aimed at dismantling this judicial body.
Washington justified the sanctions by its desire to «defend American sovereignty and its citizens in the face of the threat posed by the International Criminal Court», according to a statement published by the State Department.
The court considered that these measures aim to intimidate its staff and obstruct its activities, affirming that it will not allow anything to deter it from its course.
The President of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, said in a statement that «the court will continue to carry out its mandate to the fullest, with complete independence and impartiality, relying exclusively on the law and evidence, for the sake of the countless victims of serious crimes».
The court also called on its member states, numbering 125 countries, to stand by its side, affirming that its fate «now also depends on the states that established it».
The court added, «Future generations, especially the victims of mass atrocities, will ask how we responded when an institution established to protect them was targeted».
Washington imposed the sanctions hours after former South African judge Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition particularly of her work within the International Criminal Court.
For its part, the European Union considered the US sanctions «deeply regrettable», affirming that it is «ready to take any necessary measures to enable the court to perform its work».
The European Commission said, "The European Union will work closely with the International Criminal Court to ensure it continues to operate effectively," expressing hope that the six-month grace period before the sanctions take effect means there is "room for dialogue."
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