UN human rights head disapproves of US sanctions on ICC judges

(MENAFN) On Friday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the US government's recent decision to sanction four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges.

“Attacks against judges for performance of their judicial functions, at national or international levels, run directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law – values for which the US has long stood,” he said in a statement.

He urged the US to “prompt reconsideration and withdrawal” of the sanctions, which were placed on judges involved in cases related to Afghanistan and Palestine.

“Such attacks are deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice,” he added.

The day before, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced that the four ICC judges were added to the sanctions list, accusing them of undermining the sovereignty of the US and its ally, Israel.

“These four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC's illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel,” Rubio said in a statement. “The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies.”

Rubio also urged countries that support the ICC to “fight this disgraceful attack on our nation and Israel.”

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