Following the announcement of new sanctions by the United States against members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) sharply criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The SPD politician stated on Wednesday, “It is deeply disheartening that precisely the United States is launching a frontal assault on international criminal law-and is penalizing prominent members of the Court with sanctions.” She added that the U.S. played a decisive role in establishing the idea of international criminal justice, citing the Nuremberg war criminals trials against the main perpetrators of the Nazi regime.
Hubig argued that the current U.S. sanctions reflect a disdain for the idea of the rule of law, a tradition that clashes with America’s historical contributions. She emphasized Germany’s deep and longstanding support for the ICC, affirming that this commitment will continue. “Based on our own history, we have a special responsibility to advocate for international criminal law: Law must respond even to the worst crimes committed by states,” Hubig asserted.
The new sanctions specifically target the ICC President, Tomoko Akane, and the current Lead Prosecutor, Abdoulaye Seye. According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the basis for the sanctions was the Court’s efforts to investigate officials from countries that do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.
