U.S. sanctions target International Criminal Court

The United States announced sanctions on the International Criminal Court on October 9, targeting the tribunal as an institution after previously imposing measures on individual judges and prosecutors. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action responds to U.S. objections to the court’s jurisdiction and warned that Washington could take further steps if its concerns are not addressed. The Treasury Department’s measures block property and interests in property held by the ICC under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit providing funds, goods or services to or for the court. A 180-day transition period allows U.S. companies and individuals to wind down certain transactions. Treasury licenses also permit specified activities to continue temporarily, including some maintenance, technology and pension services. The State Department said the period is intended to give countries that belong to the court time to pursue diplomatic and legal solutions to U.S. concerns. The ICC rejected the sanctions and said it would continue its investigations and prosecutions.