IAP welcomes removal of sanctions on ICC Prosecutor, Staff and Families

Official IAP Statement

On April 2, 2021, the United States President, Joseph R Biden, announced the withdrawal of sanctions and other punitive measures against ICC Prosecutor Bensouda, Director Mochochoko, and their families. At the same time, the US Secretary of State, Antony J Blinken, ended the visa restrictions on ICC personnel, acknowledging that they were “inappropriate and ineffective”.

The IAP welcomes the withdrawal of the sanctions and other punitive measures. Any attempts to prevent independent prosecutors from discharging their responsibilities must always be unequivocally rejected. It is fortunate that those targeted by the measures were not deflected from doing their duty, and their courage and professionalism stand as an example to prosecutors everywhere of how to conduct themselves in the face of adversity.

The IAP, while expressing the hope that a situation of this type will not recur, is grateful to all concerned for ensuring that a just resolution has been achieved.

Read the full statement.

International Association of Prosecutors
The Hague, The Netherlands