ICC judges file first lawsuit challenging Trump sanctions – TASS

Three judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) who were sanctioned by the administration of US President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit in a US court challenging the legality of the measures, a diplomatic source told TASS.

According to the source, the lawsuit has been submitted to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs are judges Kimberly Prost, Solomy Bossa, and Reine Alapini-Gansou, acting in their personal capacities.

The judges are seeking a declaration that the executive order imposing the sanctions is unlawful, arguing that it exceeds presidential authority and violates the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution. They are also requesting an injunction to prevent enforcement of the restrictions. The case marks the first direct legal challenge to sanctions imposed on ICC judges.

According to court documents obtained by TASS, the sanctions resulted in the freezing of assets, the blocking of personal bank accounts, and restrictions on access to financial services. The plaintiffs argue that the measures amount to pressure on judicial independence and interfere with the personal interests of judges in an effort to influence the performance of their duties.

On February 7, 2025, Trump signed an executive order authorising sanctions against ICC judges. The US administration accused the court of taking improper actions against the United States and its allies, including Israel.

As previously reported by US media, the order allows for financial and visa restrictions against ICC officials involved in investigations concerning US citizens or allied countries, as well as members of their families.

By Jeyhun Aghazada