ICC denounces Trump’s sanctions vs. 4 judges

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denounced the sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration against four of its judges, including one who is handling the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying this will only embolden those who believe they can act with impunity.

In a statement dated June 5, the ICC said that it provides justice and hope to victims of atrocities and upholds the highest standard in protecting the rights of both suspects and victims. 

“Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity,” the ICC said.

Trump’s administration imposed sanctions after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opened an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US troops in Afghanistan.

The sanctioned judges are Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. 

Alapini Gansou is among the judges handling Duterte’s crimes against humanity case over his administration’s war on drugs..

For the ICC, the sanctions also target those who support the court, including nationals and corporate entities of state parties.

“They are aimed against innocent victims in all Situations before the Court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity,” it said.

Despite the sanctions, the ICC vowed that it will remain undeterred in its work to bring justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression.

Duterte is currently under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.

The confirmation of charges will take place on September 23, 2025.

Based on government records, around 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the Duterte administration's anti-drug operations. Human rights organizations, however, say that the number may reach 30,000 due to the unreported related slays. —LDF, GMA Integrated News