Madrid: The Spanish government affirmed its categorical rejection of any interference in the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Spanish foreign ministry expressed its regret over the United States' decision to impose sanctions on four female judges in the ICC for their involvement in issuing rulings related to Palestine and Afghanistan. Spain strongly supports the ICC, describing it as "the cornerstone of the international criminal justice system," and rejects any attempts to influence its independence or obstruct its work.
The statement from the Spanish government emphasized that the court "derives its mandate from the 125 member states of the Rome Statute" and highlighted its crucial role in "compensating victims, maintaining international peace and security, and holding perpetrators of the most serious crimes against humanity accountable." Spain committed to continuing its obligations under the Rome Statute and international law, ensuring the court's independence and respect for its decisions.
Recently, the US imposed sanctions on four ICC judges involved in proceedings that led to arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The sanctions also relate to the authorization to investigate allegations of war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan. The sanctions mean the judges are banned from entering the United States, and any assets they hold in the country will be frozen.