U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed economic and travel sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, the first individual to be targeted under an executive order that targets the ICC’s investigation into war crimes involving U.S. citizens and allies.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Monday, adding them to an executive order signed by Trump last week. As a result, the U.S. froze Khan’s assets and prohibited him and his family from traveling to the country.
The move escalates tensions between the U.S. and the ICC, an international tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. While the ICC is mandated to hold perpetrators accountable, the U.S. government has consistently criticized its investigations, particularly those involving American citizens and allies.
In response to the sanctions, the ICC issued a statement condemning the actions and affirmed its commitment to its mission. The court emphasized its resolve to continue pursuing justice for victims of atrocities across the globe.
Discussions surrounding the sanctions took place in The Hague, where court officials deliberated on their implications. Under a United Nations agreement, Khan, who regularly briefs the U.N. Security Council on ICC cases, should still be able to travel to New York for those briefings, despite the U.S. sanctions.
The U.N. has expressed confidence that the U.S. will honor its international obligations and implement any restrictions on Khan in accordance with the U.N. Headquarters agreement, which ensures the ability of U.N. representatives to perform their duties without interference.
Khan’s designation marks the latest chapter in the ongoing conflict between Washington and the ICC, which has long been critical of the court’s authority over international justice matters.
