USA impose sanctions against two more judges of the International Criminal Court over the Gaza case

CNN reported that the United States of America imposed sanctions against two more judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) – Gocha Lordkipanidze from Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin from Mongolia. This was another step by the Donald Trump administration in its campaign of pressure on the court over the investigation into Israel’s actions during the war in the Gaza Strip.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on December 18, 2025, said he was imposing sanctions against the ICC judges for being “directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel’s consent, including voting with the majority in favor of the ICC’s ruling against Israel’s appeal on December 15.”

On December 15, the Hague-based court rejected Israel’s bid to block the ongoing probe into its alleged crimes in Gaza.

The ICC deplored the U.S. administration’s announcement of new sanctions designations against its judges. The Court called these sanctions “a flagrant attack” on the independence of an impartial judicial institution that operates pursuant to the mandate conferred by its States Parties from across the regions. 

“Such measures targeting judges and prosecutors who were elected by the States Parties undermine the rule of law. When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk,” the ICC stated.

As previously stated, the Court stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities. The Court emphasized that it will continue to fulfill its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full compliance with the Rome Statute and in the best interest of victims of international crimes.

“The ICC values the consistent demonstrations of solidarity of States Parties, civil society, and all those who support the rule of law and justice for the victims of international crimes. The Court will continue its work, with all partners, to ensure the effective and independent implementation of its mandate”.

Meanwhile, the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties noted with deep concern the additional sanctions announced by the Government of the United States against two Judges of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court. It elaborated that these measures, in addition to earlier designations of nine elected officials of the Court, are regrettable attempts to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions in full conformity with the Rome Statute.

“Such actions risk undermining ongoing investigations and impeding global efforts to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. Sanctions against the Court’s elected officials not only threaten the integrity of the Rome Statute system but its efforts to bring justice to victims of the most serious crimes known to humankind,” the statement reads.

In April 2025, the non-governmental organization, the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group (ULAG), stated that the executive order imposing sanctions against the International Criminal Court was devastating for this institution.

Ukrainian human rights defenders have raised the alarm regarding the intensifying campaign to undermine the International Criminal Court, warning that such efforts directly endanger lives by fueling impunity. The joint statement details how the Court, which has been instrumental in issuing warrants for Russian leadership since the 2022 invasion, is being stifled by financial strangulation and political intimidation. The authors argue that if crimes of high gravity are not effectively prosecuted due to these pressures, it sends a signal that the architects of war can escape responsibility.

The coalition specifically underscores the danger of “incommunicado” justice, where the lack of visible progress or enforcement weakens trust in the institution. They note that nearly four years into the full-scale war, violations continue to amass, and the ICC’s ability to maintain the visibility of its efforts is crucial. The statement connects the weakening of the Court directly to the security of Ukraine, positing that a compromised legal system leads to new cycles of violence and aggression.

Consequently, the signatories present a list of concrete demands to States Parties, urging them to close the gap between rhetoric and action. This includes ensuring the arrest of ICC fugitives—explicitly naming President Putin—when they travel to member states, as well as promoting complementarity between the ICC and other justice mechanisms. The appeal concludes that decisive political and financial support is vital to ensure that the ICC remains a beacon of hope for Ukrainian victims and a functional tool for international justice.