International Criminal Court Judge Cites US Sanctions as Causing Financial Disruption
March 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera
International Criminal Court Judge Faces Sanctions Imposed by US Administration
A judge at the International Criminal Court has reported that sanctions imposed by the United States administration have resulted in her being unable to access certain financial services and online platforms. The judge, who remains unnamed, stated that she was affected by the sanctions following the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the judge, the sanctions have restricted her ability to use bank cards and Google accounts, limiting her access to essential services. She also reported facing visa bans and financial restrictions as a result of the measures.
The ICC issued the arrest warrants for Netanyahu in 2018, charging him with war crimes related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US administration responded by imposing sanctions on ICC judges and officials who were involved in the issuance of the warrants.
The judge’s comments highlight the impact that international sanctions can have on individuals and their ability to carry out their duties. The ICC has stated that its independence is essential for carrying out its mandate, but the imposition of sanctions by a major power like the US raises concerns about the court’s ability to operate effectively.
The situation highlights the complex relationships between international institutions and governments, particularly in cases where there are differing views on human rights and justice.
Source: Al Jazeera