US sanctions liken us to drug traffickers: ICC deputy prosecutor

The deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) sharply criticized US sanctions on Friday, claiming they equate senior court officials with terrorists and drug traffickers.

In an extensive interview with AFP, Mame Mandiaye Niang suggested that holding in-absentia hearings for high-profile ICC targets, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, could be considered.

Niang, 65, along with senior ICC judges, has been targeted by sanctions from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, in response to the courts arrest warrants for Netanyahu over Israels military operations in Gaza.

Disagreements with our work are normal, Niang said in a one-on-one discussion at the ICC headquarters in The Hague. But even if you are displeased, placing us in the same category as terrorists or drug traffickers is unacceptable. That is the message I want to send to Washington.

He described the personal and financial difficulties caused by the sanctions. For instance, he could not charge his hybrid car because his American Express card had been blocked, and he faced restrictions in sending money to family members abroad for fear their accounts would be affected.

While Niang acknowledged that sanctions have a role in international relations, he warned that targeting the ICC risks undermining the legitimacy of the courtthe worlds only permanent tribunal for war crimes.

In-Absentia Hearings Considered

Niang expressed frustration that arrest warrants against figures like Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have not led to court appearances, as the ICC relies on countries to apprehend suspects. He noted, however, that an in-absentia hearing was successfully conducted earlier this year against fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony.

Such hearings for leaders of Russia or Israel are conceivable, Niang said. The Kony case showed it is possible and can be valuable. These proceedings can preserve evidence and provide victims with a platform, though they are not trials but confirmations of charges.

Challenges Within the Court

Niang is currently serving as acting ICC chief prosecutor while Karim Khan is on leave amid sexual abuse allegations he denies. Niang described the situation as disruptive and said it has negatively impacted the courts work, particularly regarding investigations in Palestine.

Despite these obstacles, Niang remained resolute. He highlighted recent successes, including the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the conviction of a Sudanese militia leader. He emphasized that the ICC, which has expanded investigations beyond Africa to Latin America, Asia, and Europe, remains essential for addressing mass crimes.

The court exists to prosecute these crimes, Niang said. While we wish it werent needed, the reality is that atrocities continue, and we must fulfill our responsibilities.

Author: Jackson Miller