Ninety-three member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) declared their “unwavering support” for the court to independently carry out its professional duties, in a joint statement reported Jurist. The statement comes after several ICC members have been threatened, particularly ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan after he declared to seek arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as three Hamas leaders.
In the statement, the member states of the Rome Statute contended that the court, together with
its officials and staff, is an independent and impartial judicial institution
and should act unhindered and without intimidation. They also called on all
countries to cooperate fully with the court to enforce its mandates. The member
states believe that by stating their support, the ICC can continue contributing
to the end of impunity for international crimes and the prevention of the
recurrence. The statement also seeks to promote the respect of international
law.
The Rome Statute of the ICC provides for the
establishment of the court, its international personality and the jurisdiction
the court possesses. Upon becoming a party to the Rome Statute, the state party
accepts the court’s jurisdiction with respect to the crime of genocide, crimes
against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. In May and August
2002, the US and Israel expressed their intention not to become a party to the
statute respectively even though they both became signatories in 2000.
Accordingly, the US disputed whether the ICC possesses
legitimate jurisdiction over the US or Israel. 12 US senators in April threatened to sanction Khan if the ICC prosecutors
attempt to assert its jurisdiction by any means against the US and its allies.
Netanyahu also called on the international community to prevent the
court from issuing warrants, thereby undermining Israel’s inherent right of
self-defense.
Following the announcement of the warrant applications
on June 4, the US House of Representatives passed a bill compelling the US President to impose
sanctions on the ICC and the related prosecutors through visa restrictions and
property freezes. Joe Biden has so far opposed the bill. However, the speaker of the house Mike Johnson maintained that the
ICC’s decision fell outside its jurisdiction and stated that Israel is
respecting the rule of law.
To read more CLICK HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment