Key Takeaways
- Navi Pillay, Nobel Peace Prize winner, condemned US sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
- Pillay stated that the sanctions were 'illegal' and a 'reaction' to her award not being given to Trump.
- She warned that such actions could set a 'bad, dangerous precedent'.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing them as 'illegal' and 'unlawful'.
In an interview with AFP, Pillay emphasized that the sanctions, announced just hours after her Nobel award, were 'no coincidence'.
Pillay urged Trump to consult with legal experts to understand the implications of interfering with an independent international court.
The US sanctions, aimed at crippling the ICC’s day-to-day operations, will take effect in six months. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has called for talks with Washington to discuss reforms to the court.
Pillay dismissed the idea of reforms as 'euphemistic', stating that Trump’s true intention was to 'undertake that they won’t pursue investigations of US citizens'.
She warned that such selective enforcement would set a 'bad, dangerous precedent' and could undermine the principles of international law.
Pillay also criticized Israeli officials for their reaction to her Nobel, with Netanyahu calling her a 'bigot' and the Israeli foreign ministry comparing her to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.
Despite the political challenges, Pillay remains optimistic that Netanyahu may eventually face the ICC, stating, 'all my life I’ve seen people get around difficulties, so I’m confident that it will happen.'
At 85, Pillay expressed disbelief at her Nobel, noting the 'gross inequality' in the practice of awarding the prize to women.
Call in your legal advisors to explain to you what international law is.
Navi Pillay, Nobel Peace Prize winner
I think it’s very hurtful and insulting.
Navi Pillay, Nobel Peace Prize winner
