Canada concerned by U.S. sanctions imposed on International Criminal Court officials

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement following the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC):

“On September 2, 2020, the United States imposed financial sanctions against Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the ICC, and Phakiso Mochochoko, Head of the Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division in the Office of the Prosecutor. Other unidentified persons were added to the U.S. visa restriction list.

“Canada is disappointed by the US announcement and is worried about personnel of the International Criminal Court being targeted for the important work that they do.

“Canada values the important role played by the ICC in investigating and prosecuting the most serious international crimes.

“Canada will continue to respect the independence of both the judges of the court and of the Prosecutor of the ICC and her office.”

Associated links

• Canada and the International Criminal Court
• Joint statement in support of the International Criminal Court