The Trump administration imposed today (Friday) extensive economic sanctions on the International Cr

The Trump administration imposed today (Friday) extensive economic sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, just hours after former judge Navanethem Pillay of the court was announced as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an official statement, called the tribunal a "rogue court" and made it clear that the United States will prohibit any dealings or provision of commercial services to the institution itself, with the aim of cutting off its resources and silencing its activities: "President Trump will never allow the court to prosecute Americans. Either the court ceases its threats, or we will put an end to it." This unusual measure, intended to prevent global companies from providing banking, insurance, and software services to the court, comes in the wake of Washington's anger over arrest warrants issued against senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as past investigations into American soldiers. This move puts the United States on a direct diplomatic collision course with its allies in Europe, most of whom are members of the Rome Statute and fund the court.

(Reuters)