politics
Acting Attorney General Sends Letter Rejecting ICC Jurisdiction Over U.S. Citizens
Todd Blanche wrote to the International Criminal Court president on Thursday stating the Justice Department will not cooperate with investigations involving Americans. The letter cites U.S. law and a February executive order on sanctions.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a letter Thursday to International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane stating that the United States unequivocally rejects any attempt by the ICC to assert jurisdiction over U.S. citizens, Washington Examiner reported.
Citizens. It also states the department will oppose efforts by foreign governments to extradite or transfer Americans to the court. Blanche wrote that the Justice Department unequivocally rejects any assertion of jurisdiction by the ICC over U.S.
Persons. He accused the court of operating in an increasingly lawless and illegitimate manner, citing its record of selective enforcement and credible allegations of internal misconduct that raise doubts about its impartiality, credibility, and legitimacy. The letter references the 2002 American Servicemembers’ Protection Act, which rejects ICC jurisdiction over U.S.
Service members, government officials, and civilians, prohibits most U.S. cooperation with the court, and authorizes the president to seek the release of any American detained under an ICC warrant. Blanche quoted President Donald Trump’s February executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials.
The letter states that the United States unequivocally opposes and expects its allies to oppose any ICC actions against the United States, Israel, or any other ally that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.
