Tensions are high as ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan addresses threats from U.S. Senators.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has responded to severe threats from several U.S. Senate Republicans concerning the ICC's actions regarding Israel.
In a notable interview on CNN International’s “Amanpour,” Karim Khan discussed the pressures facing the International Criminal Court, particularly threats from prominent Republican Senators, including Tom Cotton, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio.
Breitbart News reported that these senators have expressed intentions to withdraw U.S. support for the ICC, impose sanctions on its employees, and restrict their families from entering the U.S. if the court pursues actions deemed against Israel.
Despite the political backdrop, Khan characterized the relationship between the ICC and the Biden administration as overwhelmingly positive. This cooperative engagement has spanned the last two and a half years, during which the court has tackled various international issues, including situations in Ukraine and Darfur.
The stern warning from the GOP senators was underscored during the broadcast by journalist Christiane Amanpour, reading from their letter:
Target Israel and we will target you. If you move forward with the measures indicated in the report, we will move to end all American support for the ICC, sanction your employees and associates, and bar you and your families from the United States. You have been warned.
In response, Khan expressed the gravity of the threats but reiterated the ICC’s steadfast commitment to its principles:
I think that’s the plain meaning of it in English. But there [are] hotheads everywhere, and there [are] people that are mature statesmen and stateswomen and leaders. There are those that have fidelity to something greater than themselves, whether it’s their constitutions, but ultimately, it’s the rule of law. The good news is, I think, for the last two-and-a-half years, we’ve had very positive engagement with the Biden administration in the United States.
Karim Khan detailed the foundational values of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC and linked these to core American values like opposing bullying and protecting the vulnerable.
“Rome Statute values are quintessential American values. It’s against bullying. It’s against the untrammeled power against the most vulnerable. It’s the rights, the dignity of the individual, it’s the protection of babies,” said Khan. He believes these should invite support from all political sides in the U.S.
Khan emphasized the court's global role in dismissing the perception that the ICC focuses primarily on African nations. “This court is built for Africa and thugs like Putin was what one senior leader told me. We don’t view it like that. This court is the legacy of Nuremberg. This court is a sad indictment of humanity. This court should be the triumph of law over power and brute force, grab what you can, take what you want, do what you will,” he elaborated.
Khan further stressed the ICC’s impartiality and its enduring legacy, reminiscent of the Nuremberg Trials, which stands as a symbol of justice over power.
Amid the looming threats, Khan’s unwavering stance is adherence to the rule of law and commitment to justice beyond political influences or threats. "We’re not going to be dissuaded by threats or any other activities, because, in the end, we have to fulfill our responsibilities as prosecutors, as the men and women of the office, as judges, as the registry, to something bigger than ourselves, which is the fidelity to justice," Khan articulated.
Ultimately, the intersection of international law and diplomacy continues to be tested as ICC operations intersect with global political tensions. Despite these challenges, Khan’s leadership looks to navigate through the complexities with fidelity to justice and consistent engagement with international partners, including the United States.
