GENEVA — Spain and the Netherlands on Thursday, December 18, 2025, strongly condemned the latest U.S. sanctions imposed on two International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, warning that the measures undermine the independence and integrity of international justice. The reactions follow U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement targeting Georgian judge Gocha Lordkipanidze and Mongolian judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin, accused of involvement in "illegitimate targeting" of Israel through ICC proceedings.
Spain's Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing the sanctions as "a further attack on the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the International Criminal Court, seriously undermining its work." It reaffirmed the ICC's "indispensable role in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes against humanity and in contributing to reparations for victims," expressing "unequivocal" support for the court and full solidarity with affected judges, prosecutors, and staff. Spain pledged continued compliance with the Rome Statute and international law, guaranteeing the ICC's jurisdictional exercise.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel echoed the criticism in a post on X, stating: "The Netherlands disapproves of the latest US sanctions against two judges of the International Criminal Court. International courts and tribunals must be able to freely carry out their mandates." He added that the Netherlands would "continue to work with partners to this end" and reaffirmed support for "the Court and its staff."
The sanctions are the latest in a series of U.S. measures against ICC officials, stemming from the court's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Previous sanctions targeted ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and other personnel involved in investigations related to Israel and Afghanistan.
Rubio justified the actions by claiming the judges were "directly engaged" in efforts to target Israel illegitimately. The U.S., not a Rome Statute party, has long opposed ICC jurisdiction over its citizens or allies, viewing it as a threat to sovereignty.
These developments highlight transatlantic tensions over international justice. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, investigates genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity when national courts are unable or unwilling. Host state Netherlands has consistently defended the court's independence.
Broader European reactions underscore concerns about eroding multilateral institutions amid geopolitical pressures. The EU has previously criticized similar U.S. sanctions, emphasizing the ICC's role in global accountability.
Human rights organizations welcomed the statements from Spain and the Netherlands, calling for unified international support against interference. Amnesty International described the sanctions as "an assault on judicial independence," urging reversal.
The targeted judges are part of panels handling cases including Palestine, where the ICC is examining alleged crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant remain outstanding, with limited enforcement prospects in non-cooperating states.
This episode reflects ongoing debates on the ICC's reach, particularly regarding powerful nations and allies. The U.S. maintains sanctions do not impede legitimate justice but counter perceived politicization.
As ICC proceedings continue, European backing signals resolve to protect the court's autonomy despite external pressures.
