Italy has declined to join 79 countries in signing a joint declaration supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on its staff.
The declaration, signed by two-thirds of ICC member states, reaffirmed their “continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC.” It described the court as “a vital pillar of the international justice system” that ensures accountability for serious international crimes and justice for victims.
The signatories criticised Trump’s sanctions, warning that they “severely undermine all situations currently under investigation” as the Court may have to close its field offices. The statement also cautioned that such measures “increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security.”
US sanctions
Trump signed an executive order imposing financial sanctions and visa restrictions against ICC staff, accusing the court of improperly targeting the US and Israel. He announced the sanctions after hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. These warrants relate to the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s war in Gaza.
The White House condemned the ICC’s actions, calling them a “shameful moral equivalency” between Israel and Hamas and warning that the UN-backed court was setting “a dangerous precedent” that could “infringe upon the sovereignty of the United States.”
Established in 2002 under the 1998 Rome Statute, the ICC has 125 member states, although the US and Israel do not recognise its authority.
Tensions over Almasri case
Italy’s decision not to sign the declaration comes amid rising tensions between Rome and the ICC over the case of Osama Almasri, a Libyan police chief wanted by the Hague-based court for alleged crimes including murder, rape, and torture.
Italian authorities arrested Almasri in Italy last month. However, he was unexpectedly released and repatriated to Libya, with the Italian government arguing that the ICC’s arrest warrant was flawed. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has since called for an investigation into the ICC’s handling of the case.
The declaration of support for the ICC was signed by a majority of EU countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and the UK. However, in addition to Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic also declined to sign.
