International Criminal Court - Announcement of individual sanctions by the United States - Statement by Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (3 Sept. 2020)

I learned of the U.S. authorities’ announcement on September 2 of individual sanctions against Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and Phakiso Mochochoko, Head of the ICC’s Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division.

On June 12, I had expressed my dismay over the U.S. Government’s adoption of the executive order of June 11, which serves as a basis for the adoption of these individual sanctions.

The measures announced on September 2 represent a serious attack on the Court and the States Parties to the Rome Statute, and beyond that, a challenge to multilateralism and the independence of the judiciary.

France reaffirms its steadfast support for the International Criminal Court and its staff, as well as the independence of the judiciary.

It calls on the United States to withdraw these measures.

France will continue to mobilize its efforts to ensure that the Court is able to fulfill its mission independently and impartially, in accordance with the Rome Statute.