UN regrets U.S. president’s sanctions on ICC

The United Nations has denounced the Trump administration’s decision to impose sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.
President Donald Trump authorised the sanctions over ICC investigation into whether US troops had committed war crimes in Afghanistan.
The Hague-based court opened the probe after prosecutors’ preliminary review in 2017 determined war crimes may have been committed in Afghanistan.
Rupert Colville, spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters on Friday: “The independence of the ICC and its ability to operate without interference must be guaranteed.”
The Washington Times quoted him as saying the court must be independent so that it could decide matters without any improper influence, inducement, pressures, threats or interference from any quarter or for any reasons.
“Victims of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law and their families have the right to redress and the truth,” Colville stressed.
On Thursday, 10 European allies, including UN Security Council members, pledged “unwavering support for the court as an independent and impartial judicial institution.”
In a statement, they renewed their commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the [ICC accord and to preserve its integrity.