ICC delays arrest warrants process against Israeli top officials

WORLD  28 June 2024 - 14:15

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) postponed its decision regarding potential arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes.

This delay follows England's June 10 application to submit a "friend of the court" brief challenging the ICC's jurisdiction over the matter, Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media.

Thursday's ruling not only allowed the UK to intervene but also preemptively granted other countries the right to do so. The ICC has set a deadline of July 12 for England and other countries to file their briefs.

Additionally, the ICC stated that these briefs and the entire deliberation process could be made public, despite the usual secrecy surrounding arrest warrant proceedings to avoid tipping off the suspects.

The three-judge panel specified in its ruling: "While the Chamber does not issue an open call for amicus curiae submissions, it acknowledges that the UK's request and the Chamber's decision may prompt other requests for submissions."

To ensure the proceedings remain on track, any further requests under rule 103(1) of the ICC's Rules must also be submitted by July 12, 2024.

Caliber.Az