Brussels – Saba:
The European Union has expressed its support for the International Criminal Court on Friday after the United States imposed sanctions on four female judges.
In statements issued by EU officials, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the ICC "must be free to act, without pressure."
Von der Leyen added in a post on her X account that the court "holds accountable the perpetrators of the world's most serious crimes and provides victims with a voice," according to Al-Mayadeen TV.
European Council President António Costa described the court as "a cornerstone of international justice," stressing the need to protect its independence and integrity.
Slovenia, a member of the European Union, said it would pressure Brussels to use its authority to ensure that US sanctions are not applied in Europe.
Slovenia has called on the EU to invoke the Immunity Act, which prevents any European company from complying with US sanctions that Brussels deems illegal. This power has previously been used to prevent Washington from banning trade with Cuba and Iran.
The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on its Twitter account on Thursday evening that it would propose the immediate activation of the Immunity Act, based on the inclusion of a citizen of an EU member state, Judge Betty Hoehler, on the sanctions list.
This comes after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on four female judges at the International Criminal Court in response to its issuance of an indictment against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its decision to open an investigation into war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan.
In addition to Hoehler, the sanctions order also includes Judges Solome Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, and Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin.
Under the order, any assets the judges hold in the United States will be frozen and they will be placed on an automated screening system used by many banks around the world.
This sanction makes it difficult for those subject to it to open bank accounts, maintain existing accounts, or transfer funds.
The order also stipulates that US citizens who provide services to the judges may face civil and criminal penalties.
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