European Union declares stout support to ICC

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union has expressed serious concern over the revocation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor’s visa by the US.

The EU declared its support for ICC a day after the Trump administration revoked Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s visa over a possible probe into US military actions in Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the EU’s diplomatic service said the bloc “fully supports the ICC and its independence”. Brussels expected the US to comply with its international obligations toward the court.

AFP quoted the spokesperson saying in a statement: “The European Union reiterates its serious concern about the US policy toward the ICC. The ICC plays a key role in the fight against impunity.

“The EU emphasises that protecting the neutrality and judicial independence of the ICC is paramount to its effectiveness and proper functioning.”

In November 2017, Bensouda asked ICC judges for authorisation to launch an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Afghan government forces and international troops, including US soldiers.

PAN Monitor/mud