Four US human rights groups have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration over sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging the measures violate international law and hinder justice for victims of war crimes. The groups argue that the Trump administration’s travel bans and asset freezes on ICC officials, particularly those investigating Israel, are unlawful and undermine the court’s ability to hold perpetrators accountable. The lawsuit was filed in a US federal court, with the groups including the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Human Rights Watch, and the Open Society Institute. The case follows similar legal actions by other organizations, which have criticized the Trump administration for its stance against the ICC, which it rejects as having no authority over US citizens or allies. The lawsuit claims that the sanctions block victims of war crimes from seeking justice and represent a broader effort to weaken the ICC’s influence. The ICC has been investigating alleged war crimes in Israel, prompting the US to impose sanctions on its officials. The legal challenge is part of a growing international criticism of the US government’s position on the court.
