Belgium Reiterates Opposition to US Sanctions on ICC, Calls for Protection of Court’s Independence
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: Belgium on Wednesday reaffirmed its opposition to the United States’ sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that such measures undermine global efforts to uphold justice and accountability.
“Belgium once again strongly regrets the new sanctions imposed by the United States against judges and deputy prosecutors of the International Criminal Court,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said in a statement posted on the US-based social media platform X.
He stressed that Belgium remains steadfast in its support for the ICC, its independence, and its staff, describing the Court as a “cornerstone of the rules-based international order” that delivers justice for victims of the gravest crimes on behalf of 125 states parties across all continents.
“Undermining the Court weakens our collective ability to combat impunity, uphold human dignity, and deliver accountability where national systems fail,” Prévot added.
The minister recalled Belgium’s earlier joint appeal with Slovenia on June 6, urging the activation of the European Union’s blocking statute to shield the Court from external pressure. “I reiterate this call,” he said, stressing that “the fight against impunity must not be obstructed. Justice must remain free.”
A blocking statute is a legislative measure designed to prevent the enforcement of foreign sanctions within a jurisdiction.
The US announced sanctions on four ICC officials on Wednesday, including a judge who authorized arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The warrants were issued amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians since October 2023 and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
