Council of Europe Assembly Denounces Coercive Measures Against International Criminal Court Officials

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has unanimously passed a resolution condemning foreign sanctions and threats against International Criminal Court judges and prosecutors. Based on a report by Dutch Senator Tekke Panman, the assembly urged member nations and the European Union to activate blocking statutes to safeguard judicial independence. Officials underscored that coercive measures taken by powers including the United States and Russia represent unacceptable attacks on the international rule of law.

RMN News Legal Desk
New Delhi | October 6, 2026

STRASBOURG — The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has formally expressed grave concern regarding systematic attempts to threaten, intimidate, and penalize judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC). During its plenary session in Strasbourg, the assembly adopted a unanimous resolution urging international action to shield judicial personnel from political coercion and retaliatory sanctions.

Unanimous Resolution Against External Intimidation

The resolution, framed around a report presented by Dutch Senator Tekke Panman (Netherlands, EPP/CD), warns that sanctions and restrictive measures undermine the core functions of international justice. Assembly members emphasized that subjecting court personnel to personal or operational restrictions constitutes an unacceptable infringement on judicial independence and the global legal order.

Specific Concerns Over US and Russian Measures

According to the unanimous report, punitive actions have been initiated primarily by the United States and Russia against prosecutors and judges investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. These proceedings specifically involve jurisdictions and military engagements in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Palestine.

Also Read:

[ Trump ICC Sanctions Face US Legal Challenge Over Free Speech ]

[ Netanyahu ICC Warrant: NYC Mayor vs. Trump ]

Parliamentarians noted that these coercive measures disrupt the operational stability of the ICC while inflicting severe hardships on the professional and private lives of court officials.

Judicial Leadership Responds to Coercive Pressure

Addressing the plenary debate, Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, First Vice-President of the ICC, stressed the court’s commitment to its judicial mandate despite external hostility.

Judge Aitala noted that attacks on the court stem from fear of judicial accountability, stating that the institution strips away propaganda and obliges powerful actors to answer for their actions. He highlighted that when state entities attack the court, they implicitly acknowledge that fundamental rights and international law carry greater authority than unilateral force. He reaffirmed that power does not grant immunity and that the court will remain operational to serve victims globally.

Safeguarding Essential Services and Legal Protections

To neutralize external economic and administrative pressure, PACE called on Council of Europe member states, state parties to the Rome Statute, and the European Union to preserve the privileges and immunities of ICC personnel.

The assembly specifically recommended the activation of the EU Blocking Statute and parallel national legislation. These measures aim to mandate that European commercial entities — including banking, insurance, medical, and IT service providers — maintain unimpeded operational support for the ICC and its Europe-based staff, defying foreign sanctions.

Call to Action for Non-Member States

The adopted resolution further called upon nations that are not signatories to the Rome Statute — including observer states and parliamentary partners — to respect the independence and integrity of the ICC. The assembly urged all non-member countries to refrain from issuing punitive sanctions or coercive threats against international prosecutors and judges fulfilling their statutory duties.