Finland 'deeply regrets' US sanctions on 2 more ICC judges

LONDON

Finland on Friday expressed concern over US sanctions on two more International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, reiterating “strong support” for the court and its officials.

"Finland deeply regrets the new sanctions imposed by the US against two judges of the International Criminal Court," the Foreign Ministry wrote on US social media company X.

Earlier Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on ICC judges Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, accusing them of being "directly engaged" in "the illegitimate targeting of Israel."

The Finnish Foreign Ministry said the ICC “must be able to fulfill its judicial mandate effectively, without restrictions."

Some European countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway, also deplored the US sanctions and expressed their support for the court's independence.

On Thursday, the ICC said it "strongly rejects" new US sanctions and labelled the move a "flagrant attack" against the independence of an impartial judicial institution.

Previously, the US also sanctioned ICC officials for authorizing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, warrants which accuse both officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.