US Sanctions Two More ICC Judges in Escalating Stand-off

The latest designation targets Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, citing their roles in rejecting Israel's bid to block a broader probe into the conflict. While neither the United States nor Israel recognizes the tribunal’s jurisdiction, the ICC maintains that individuals from non-member states can be held liable for crimes committed within the borders of member nations like Palestine.

The tribunal labeled the sanctions a flagrant attack on judicial independence, warning that threatening court officials for applying the law endangers the global legal order. Previously sanctioned personnel, including Prosecutor Karim Khan and several other judges, have reported that these measures have left them and their families economically and socially devastated. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International joined the criticism, describing the move as a blatant attempt to shield high-ranking officials from accountability.