In a bid to protect itself from potential U.S. sanctions, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has proactively safeguarded its staff by issuing salaries three months in advance. This move comes amidst looming financial constraints that threaten to destabilize the tribunal responsible for investigating war crimes, according to two undisclosed sources on Friday.
The U.S. House of Representatives has proposed punitive measures against the court for its actions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister related to Israeli matters.
If approved, the bill would penalize any foreign entity involved in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or those of allied nations not part of the court, such as Israel.
Though the specific ramifications and targets remain uncertain, insiders speaking anonymously to Reuters highlighted the ICC's readiness for significant financial repercussions.
Concerns over potential disruption due to a halt in collaboration with the court by U.S. tech giant Microsoft have prompted the preservation of evidence, one source revealed.
In response to inquiries, the ICC declined to discuss any internal safeguarding measures implemented to shield its personnel and institution.
Promoters of the bill are aiming for a swift vote, possibly as early as next week, amid ongoing congressional activities centering on appointments for the new U.S. administration.
This situation marks the second instance of U.S. backlash against the ICC. In 2020, during the prior Trump administration, repercussions were directed at then-chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a senior aide following ICC investigations into alleged misconduct by American troops in Afghanistan.
The impending sanctions are expected to heavily restrict the ICC's financial transactions, compelling any financial institutions connected to the U.S. or transacting in dollars to comply.
Comprising 125 member states, the ICC serves as a permanent judicial body with authority to prosecute individuals for various offenses against member states' territories or their citizens. Notably, key nations such as the United States, China, Russia, and Israel do not participate in the ICC.
In a cautionary statement in December, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane warned that sanctions could swiftly impede the court's functions across all cases and regions, endangering its fundamental integrity.