Spain deplores the announcement by the United States Government of sanctions against two senior officials of the International Criminal Court, the President of the Court and a Senior Trial Lawyer at the Office of the Prosecutor

These sanctions constitute a flagrant attack on the independence, integrity and impartiality of the International Criminal Court, whose mandate derives from that conferred upon it by the States Parties to the Rome Statute.

The Court plays an indispensable role in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes against humanity and in contributing to the protection of and reparations for victims. It is the cornerstone of the international criminal justice system.

Spain reiterates its firm and unequivocal support for the International Criminal Court and expresses its full solidarity with the judges, prosecutors and all Court personnel affected by the sanctions.

Spain will continue to fully comply with its commitments under the Rome Statute and international law, respecting and guaranteeing the full exercise of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.