ICC Deputy Says Sanctions Already Straining Staff Banking

Nazhat Shameem Khan, the deputy prosecutor co-running the International Criminal Court, reported that US sanctions are creating immediate operational friction for staff. She stated that employees are encountering banking difficulties before the official six-month grace period expires. Khan maintained that the measures have not yet reduced the institution's investigative capacity or altered its legal work.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on 9 October, labeling the court a rogue institution. He issued a directive requiring the court to present a solution within six months to address American concerns. Rubio warned that the US would end the court if it did not end its threats against Washington. The specific criteria for satisfaction remain undefined.

Khan described the current banking issues as a result of financial institutions over-complying with the new regulations to minimize risk. She noted that the sanctions technically target the institution rather than individual members, yet staff are reporting direct impacts. She characterized the situation as inconvenient but manageable, noting that many global transactions now require credit cards that some staff are losing access to.

The court is actively working to insulate itself from the hostile administration in Washington. Officials are switching software from Microsoft to European alternatives and negotiating new terms for banking and health insurance services. Khan emphasized that no decisions have been made to reduce output or capability based on the sanctions. All investigations across all situations continue as planned.

Investigations into the Gaza war are proceeding, Khan said, despite a lack of public updates since November 2024. She explained that a ruling earlier this year mandates secrecy for all charges and warrant applications until judges approve their release. This procedural rule creates an appearance of stagnation, but she assured that substantial progress is being made in the Gaza case and other active situations.

The prosecutor's office is also navigating internal changes. Formal investigations into sexual harassment allegations against former chief prosecutor Karim Khan began in late November 2024. The British jurist denied the charges and was removed from his position in July following a vote by member states. Khan, who is unrelated to the former chief, is now leading the office pending the appointment of a new successor.

European support for the court has intensified in response to the US actions. The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the court and its officials on Thursday. The registrar is negotiating with the EU to block the sanctions or protect the institution through other means. Khan viewed the prize as a vital signal of support for staff facing increased pressure.

Khan also addressed Rubio's claim that globalist experts wanted to prosecute US citizens. She stated that no Americans have been brought before the court. She noted that if the reference was to the Afghanistan investigation, the priority there remains offenses committed by the Taliban and the Islamic State Khorasan against women and girls. The court's pretrial chamber unsealed four arrest warrants against Taliban members for gender persecution this month.