The International Criminal Court ([ICC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Criminal_Court)) on Friday dismissed sanctions announced by the United States, labeling them an attempt to disrupt its operations and intimidate personnel, and reiterated its commitment to carry out its mandate without fear.
**What sanctions did the United States impose?**
The US government announced punitive measures hours after a former ICC judge was awarded the [Nobel Peace Prize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_Peace_Prize). The sanctions restrict American firms from dealing with designated individuals or entities and pressure financial, insurance and software providers to cease any cooperation with them.
**Who articulated the US position?**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on behalf of President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump), warned that the administration would not permit the ICC to prosecute American citizens. “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC. We expect our allies, many of whom are part of the ICC and that rely on American servicemembers for their defence, to rein in the court,” Rubio said, adding that the sanctions were designed to allow room for negotiation and to present a solution to US concerns.
**How did the ICC react?**
In a video statement, ICC President Tomoko Akane condemned the measures, saying they were intended to disrupt the court’s work and intimidate its staff and partners. “The court, for its part, will not be deterred,” she asserted, pledging that the institution will continue to discharge its mandate independently and impartially, guided solely by law and evidence for the benefit of victims of grave crimes.
**What actions did the ICC call for?**
Akane urged the court’s 125 member states to take concrete steps to ensure the ICC has the resources required to fulfil its responsibilities. She warned that the sanctions raise broader concerns about protecting international justice and those who serve it, adding that history will judge how the world responded when an institution created to protect victims came under attack.