The imposition by the US of sanctions on two high-ranking ICC staff members, including Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, calls into question the independence of the International Criminal Court and risks seriously undermining its work. We cannot accept this.

Germany has supported the ICC and its work from the outset. We also know from our own history that a strong and independent international organisation is needed in order to bring serious international crimes to justice. We have full confidence in the work of the ICC and consider the fact that the US has decided to take this further step to be a serious mistake. We are continuing to work to ensure that the ICC can play its vital role in the international fight against impunity without hindrance and call on the US to withdraw these measures.