I want to first apologize to the affected members of the ICC for what is obviously an abuse of power. That said, there needs to be some problem solving to return function. Off hand, I can think of two methods that can be asserted to end the abuse. The first, of course, is a direct lawsuit against the administration for disabling the power of The Hague. The affected members can sue the USA and the individual members of the Trump administration responsible for these attacks on innocent people.
The OFAC is enforcing these sanctions and would have to be included in any lawsuit as conducting itself as a loyal soldier rather than a prudent government office disserning the difference between appropriate relations with allies and abuse of power.
The other thought is a rotation of judges and prosecutors through the ICC so function can return. I am thinking perhaps those employed by the ICC can take on private practice 50 percent of the time and the cases of the ICC the other 50 percent. In doing so there can be an expansion of the number of judges and prosecutors to allow for such a rotation and return of function.
I have no doubt that Trump will name everyone affiliated with any ICC judicial process for sanctions. What I don’t understand is how are hostile actions such as these sanctions even allowed by a non-member? It is my understanding the USA and Israel aren’t even members of the organization. I mean why not allow Jack the Ripper sanctions?
Unarguably the sanctions are highly immoral and flat out dangerous. There has to be a solution and movement forward of the cases before the ICC. There has to be a clear understanding through the international community these sanctions are illegal as they are without basis. International governing bodies can override hostile actions without fear of retaliation such as the sanctions placed by Trump. If fear to act is allowed what indeed is humanity faced with?
All that said, there are other methods that water down the highly unethical and immoral sanctions placed on the ICC. Independent tribunals can take place. There was a highly successful and well organized tribunal held regarding the Kent State murders of unarmed students demonstrating against the Vietnam War. I suggest that tribunal as a model to remove any proceedings against the USA or Israel out of the venue of the ICC. If there are only independent tribunals for these nonmember counties then the ICC is free to conduct its business otherwise.
If conducting independent tribunals to alleviate the burden to the ICC are organized the organizers should trouble shoot the proceedings previous to its beginning to make any Trump sanctions at least tolerable or better yet, meaningless. Individuals immune to that pressure could carry our independent proceedings.
Sanctions on Trump by member countries would be another method to end the hideousness of these circumstances. Trump seems to love tariff wars, why not sanction wars?
Once again I apologize for this mess. No reasonable person saw this coming. Reasonable people don’t imagine such assaults against decency and human rights.
