Brussels finds U.S. threats to dismantle ICC 'unacceptable'

Brussels has declared threats by the United States to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) as "unacceptable." The European Commission reiterated its firm commitment to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity.

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Our position remains unwavering and very clear: We, as the European Union, maintain our firm support for the International Criminal Court and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute.

"Our position remains unwavering and very clear: We, as the European Union, maintain our firm support for the International Criminal Court and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute," stated Anouar el Anouni, the EU's foreign affairs spokesperson. He emphasized that attacks or threats against the court, its elected officials, staff, or collaborators are simply unacceptable.

The EU respects the court's independence and impartiality, viewing it as a crucial body for prosecuting individuals responsible for the most serious crimes. The spokesperson reminded that the ICC does not target sovereign states or threaten their sovereignty. Instead, it exercises jurisdiction over individuals under the Rome Statute.

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The attacks or threats against the Court, its elected officials, its staff or those who collaborate with it are simply unacceptable.

This stance comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a diplomatic campaign to "dismantle" the ICC. Rubio accused the court of interfering in U.S. matters and claimed it poses an "intolerable threat" to American sovereignty by seeking to prosecute U.S. military personnel and officials acting in the nation's interest.

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The ICC represents an intolerable threat to American sovereignty: it arrogates the authority to prosecute and even imprison U.S. military and officials acting in defense of the national interest of the United States.