ICC Deputy Prosecutor Reports Steady Work Despite New US Pressure

Nazhat Shameem Khan, the deputy prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, confirmed this week that the court is making significant progress on its key cases. She stated that operations remain strong despite new financial restrictions imposed by the United States. Khan is currently co-running the prosecutor's office while a new chief is appointed.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the sanctions on October 9. He labeled the ICC a rogue court and gave it a six-month grace period to find a solution. Rubio warned that the US would end the court if it did not stop its threats. It is still unclear what specific actions Washington requires to lift the measures.

Khan noted that investigations into the Gaza war and other situations have moved forward since arrest warrants were issued in November 2024. Those warrants targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Galant. She explained that no new charges have been announced recently because a court ruling requires all warrant applications to remain secret until judges approve their public release.

Despite the formal six-month delay, some staff members are already feeling the impact. Khan described banks as over-complying with the new rules to minimize risk. This has led to difficulties with banking for individual employees. She clarified that the sanctions target the institution, not the staff directly, but the practical effects are being felt now.

The court is taking steps to reduce its dependence on American technology and services. It is switching from Microsoft software to European alternatives. It is also negotiating with providers for banking and health insurance. Khan said the court has not reduced its output or capability based on the sanctions, though the full impact remains to be seen.

Khan, who was targeted by US sanctions in February 2025, noted the inconvenience of life without a credit card. She said these difficulties are minor compared to the needs of victims who seek justice. She also addressed Rubio's claim that the court wanted to prosecute US citizens, stating that no Americans have been brought before the court. The current priority in the Afghanistan investigation is gender persecution by the Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan.

Support for the court is growing in Europe. The registrar is negotiating with the EU to block the sanctions or protect the institution. On Thursday, the European Parliament awarded the court its Sakharov prize for freedom of thought. Khan called this backing a vital message for the staff. She said the attention reflects the court's relevance to victims who need a place to be heard.