World · Europe · 2 days ago
US announces sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court in The Hague
The United States has announced new sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
The measures are due to take effect in six months, in April 2027.
They would bar US citizens, companies and organizations from doing business with the court, and organizations outside the US that work with it could also face sanctions.
The US says it objects to the court’s ability to prosecute Americans, but the US is not a member of the ICC.
The court has investigated the conduct of US military personnel in Afghanistan, but no Americans have been charged in that investigation.
The sanctions could disrupt the court’s work, including payments to staff and access to software, and could affect groups and individuals helping it gather evidence.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called the measures disappointing and said the time before they take effect leaves room for talks with the US.
The United States announced new sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The measures are intended to make the court’s work impossible and will take effect in six months.
They target companies and organizations that provide services to the court, and could also affect organizations outside the United States that work with it.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC seeks to prosecute US citizens, while legal scholar Marieke de Hoon said the court can prosecute crimes within its jurisdiction.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called the sanctions disappointing and unnecessary, and said there was time to seek a solution through talks.
- Who
- The United States announced the sanctions, targeting the International Criminal Court in The Hague and organizations that work with it.
- What
- New sanctions are intended to disrupt the court’s work.
- When
- Announced on Friday, October 9, 2026. They are due to take effect in six months.
- Where
- The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
- Why
- Rubio said the ICC seeks to prosecute US citizens. The US is not a member of the court and does not recognize it.
US government
Marieke de Hoon's legal assessment
Reason for sanctions
US government
Rubio said the ICC seeks to prosecute Americans and has no right to do so.
Marieke de Hoon's legal assessment
De Hoon said the ICC can prosecute an American for crimes within its jurisdiction committed in a country that recognizes the court.
Impact and aim
US government
The US administration intends to make the ICC’s work impossible.
Marieke de Hoon's legal assessment
De Hoon said the measures could harm the court, its staff and organizations that work with it.
President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans.
If you only follow the diplomatic path, Trump will keep going further.
very disappointing and unnecessary
a blow to the functioning of the ICC
The United States announced new sanctions targeting the ICC.
The sanctions are due to take effect.
- Target
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Location
- The Hague, Netherlands
- Announced
- October 9, 2026
- Effective
- Six months after the announcement
- US secretary of state
- Marco Rubio
- Dutch prime minister
- Rob Jetten
Sources
Amerikaanse sancties 'mokerslag' voor Internationaal Strafhof, wat doet Nederland?
VS leggen sancties op aan Internationaal Strafhof, beloven ‘schurkenhof’ te ontmantelen
VS kondigt sancties aan tegen Internationaal Strafhof in Den Haag, wil hof 'verlammen'
Trump wil Internationaal Strafhof in Den Haag 'lamleggen' met nieuwe sancties
Amerika zet sancties tegen ‘schurkachtig’ Internationaal Strafhof in Den Haag door: nieuwe rel dreigt
9/10 in Nieuwsuur: Sancties ICC • Wijziging draagmoederschapswet? • 'Gebiedsgebod' voor vrijgelaten terroristen
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