On Sunday 24 August, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas was critical of the United States’ decision to impose sanctions against two deputy prosecutors - Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang - and two judges - Nicolas Yann Guillou (French) and Kimberly Prost (Canadian) - of the International Criminal Court (ICC) working on US personnel in Afghanistan or on arrest warrants against Israeli officials.
“This decision may impact the functioning of the Office of the Prosecutor and ongoing investigations”, she said in a press release.
Ms Kallas warned that the EU would give its full support and contribution to ensure the protection of the ICC and its staff against external pressure or threats, and that it would closely monitor the implications of the US decree. “We will assess possible further steps”, she warned.
The High Representative reiterated that attacks or threats against the Court, its elected representatives, staff and those cooperating with it were “not acceptable”. “The ICC must be able to work independently and impartially”, she explained, noting the EU’s unwavering support for the Court. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)