Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and International Criminal Court (ICC) judge, has condemned new US sanctions against the court, calling them unacceptable and unlawful. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Pillay said she was surprised by the award and welcomed the Nobel committee’s recognition of international justice, human rights and the rule of law. She accused Washington of interfering with the independence of judges and punishing the ICC for carrying out its mandate under the Rome Statute. Pillay warned that the sanctions could have far-reaching consequences, affecting banking services, staff salaries and the court’s ability to operate. She said the ICC’s judges and staff remain committed to holding those responsible for serious international crimes accountable, despite mounting political pressure. Pillay also pledged to visit the court to support its staff and discuss ways to respond to the sanctions. She stressed the importance of defending judicial independence and protecting international institutions from political interference.
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