Nobel laureate Navi Pillay criticizes US sanctions against the International Criminal Court

On October 9, 2026, the US government announced new sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The announcement occurred just hours after South African jurist Navi Pillay, 85, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Pillay characterized the timing as deliberate, suggesting it was a reaction to the prize not being awarded to President Donald Trump, and condemned the measures as an illegal interference in the work of an independent judicial body.

Pillay, who visited the ICC to express solidarity with its staff, urged the United States to return to its role as a defender of human rights and international law. She suggested that President Trump consult with his legal advisors to understand the illegality of impeding the court, which handles cases of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The current US administration has previously declared an intent to systematically dismantle the court following the issuance of an arrest warrant for an undisclosed individual.

While the sanctions were announced on Friday, sources note that plans to target the ICC had been in development for some time. The situation remains tense as the court continues its operations despite Washington's efforts to disrupt its functions.