The United States has designated four individuals from Uganda, Peru, Benin, and Slovenia as targets of sanctions in response to their alleged involvement in illegitimate actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) targeting nationals of the U.S. and its close ally, Israel.
According to a statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the individuals – Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia – have actively engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. nationals or Israelis without their consent.
The U.S. government claims that the ICC is politicized and falsely asserts unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the U.S. and its allies. This alleged abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the U.S. and its allies, including Israel.
In response, the U.S. will take whatever actions deemed necessary to protect its sovereignty, as well as that of Israel and other U.S. allies from illegitimate ICC actions. Secretary Rubio has called on countries that support the ICC to "fight this disgraceful attack" on the nation.
The sanctions are being imposed pursuant to President Trump's Executive Order 14203, which aims to hold accountable those who seek to undermine international law and sovereignty. Further information on today's actions can be found in the Department of State's fact sheet and the Department of the Treasury's press release.