Court leadership claims steady advance despite Washington's financial pressure

Thirteen members of the International Criminal Court staff were originally targeted by the United States in February 2025, a move that has set the stage for broader economic restrictions now being felt across the institution. The deputy prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan, who is currently co-managing the office while a search for a permanent chief prosecutor continues, indicated that these financial measures are beginning to impact personnel. However, she maintained that the core investigative work has not been hindered by the political tensions.

The most recent round of sanctions was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 9. In that declaration, Rubio characterized the court as a rogue entity and presented a six-month window for the institution to negotiate a resolution. Although it remains ambiguous what specific changes would satisfy Washington, the deputy prosecutor emphasized that all investigations are proceeding without any reduction in capability or output. She noted that the decision to continue full operations was made independent of the external pressure.

A primary area of concern involves the court's administrative infrastructure. To reduce its exposure to the hostile administration in Washington, the institution is in the process of switching from Microsoft software to European alternatives. Additionally, the court is negotiating with various service providers to secure banking and health insurance services. Khan acknowledged that while the official start date for the sanctions is six months away, the current uncertainty is causing complications.

The immediate effects are visible in financial transactions. Khan reported that some staff members are encountering banking difficulties as institutions adopt a cautious approach to risk management. She described this behavior as over-compliance, where banks restrict services to protect themselves before the sanctions are fully in force. In principle, the measures target the organization rather than individual employees, yet the practical experience for staff members includes tangible hurdles in managing personal finances.

Khan drew a parallel between the current situation and her previous experience under the earlier sanctions. She described the inconvenience of navigating life without a credit card, particularly regarding travel. However, she placed these minor disruptions into perspective by recalling visits to refugee camps and sites of mass atrocities. For the victims she represents, the complexity of global finance is secondary to their primary desire for justice and accountability.

The court is also navigating internal challenges alongside external pressure. Formal investigations into allegations of sexual harassment against former chief prosecutor Karim Khan began in late November 2024. That British jurist, who is not related to the current deputy prosecutor, denied the charges. He was subsequently removed from his position in July following a vote by member states, adding a layer of institutional transition to the current diplomatic standoff.

In the broader context of its work, Khan addressed claims made by Rubio regarding the intent to prosecute US citizens. She stated that no Americans have been brought before the court and clarified that the priority in the Afghanistan investigation focuses on offenses committed against women and vulnerable groups by the Taliban and the Islamic State Khorasan. Recently, the pretrial chamber unsealed four arrest warrants against Taliban members on charges of gender persecution, reinforcing the court's focus on specific atrocities.

Support from European allies has provided a counterbalance to the American pressure. The ICC registrar is currently negotiating with the European Union to find ways to block the sanctions or protect the court's operations. Additionally, the European Parliament awarded the court and its officials the Sakharov prize for freedom of thought this month. Khan viewed this recognition as a vital message to the staff, affirming that the court remains a relevant avenue for victims seeking justice beyond political influence.