KABUL: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has criticized the US sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), particularly those investigating matters related to Afghanistan. Bennett described sanctions as “very disappointing,” stating that they threaten the independence of the court and deal a serious blow to victims worldwide. He emphasized, “Lifting these sanctions is essential. Investigations into Afghanistan are crucial for achieving justice.” The U.S. State Department has sanctioned several ICC officials, including Judge Kimberly Prost, for authorizing an investigation into U.S. forces in Afghanistan. In a joint statement with other UN human rights experts, Bennett warned, “It is very concerning to see a country continue to act against the lawful and peaceful actions of an independent court established by the international community.” The statement highlighted that “sanctioning judges and prosecutors of the ICC disrupts the fight against impunity and sends the message that power, not justice, prevails in the face of atrocities.” Experts have stressed that the ICC has a mandate to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of serious international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. They added, “The legal experts of the ICC play a crucial role in holding those responsible for the worst crimes accountable and should be protected from retaliation, enabling them to act independently and without fear.”
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