In May 2025, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan QC, found himself at the center of a controversy involving the United States and Israel. The tweet by Arnaud Bertrand highlighted the punitive measures taken by former President Donald trump against the ICC in response to its attempts to investigate Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The tweet mentioned that Microsoft had deleted Khan’s personal email and his bank accounts in his home country had been frozen as part of the sanctions imposed by the US government. This move was seen as a direct retaliation for the ICC’s decision to pursue investigations into alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The incident shed light on the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in international criminal justice. The ICC, as a judicial body independent of any state, aims to hold individuals accountable for the most serious crimes of international concern, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, its ability to carry out its mandate effectively is often hampered by political interference and power struggles among its member states.

The tweet also highlighted the role of technology companies in the enforcement of sanctions and the potential implications for individuals targeted by such measures. The fact that Microsoft was able to delete Khan’s personal email raised concerns about the extent to which private companies can be complicit in government actions that infringe on individuals’ rights to privacy and due process.

Overall, the incident involving Karim Khan QC and the ICC underscored the challenges faced by international institutions in upholding the rule of law in an increasingly polarized and politicized world. It also raised important questions about the limits of state sovereignty and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the pursuit of justice on the global stage.

If you aren’t cynical after that…

To punish the ICC for its attempt to go after Israel for Gaza, Trump launched a series of sanctions on the court’s officials.@KarimKhanQC, the chief prosecutor, had his personal email deleted by Microsoft and his bank accounts in his home… pic.twitter.com/ot6fzO7E9q

— Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) May 18, 2025

The recent actions taken by former President Trump against the International Criminal Court (ICC) have sparked outrage and concern among many individuals and organizations worldwide. In response to the ICC’s attempt to investigate alleged war crimes in Gaza, Trump imposed a series of sanctions on the court’s officials, including the chief prosecutor, @KarimKhanQC. These sanctions included having Khan’s personal email deleted by Microsoft and freezing his bank accounts in his home country.

The move by Trump to target the ICC and its officials has raised questions about the limits of executive power and the implications for international justice. Many have criticized the sanctions as an attack on the independence and legitimacy of the ICC, which is tasked with holding individuals accountable for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Critics argue that Trump’s actions are a clear attempt to undermine the rule of law and shield allies from accountability for their actions. By targeting the chief prosecutor and other officials, Trump is sending a message that those who seek to hold powerful individuals and governments accountable will face severe consequences.

The situation has also raised concerns about the broader implications for international relations and the enforcement of international law. The ICC relies on the cooperation of member states to carry out its mandate, and actions like those taken by Trump could have a chilling effect on the willingness of countries to support the court and its work.

Despite these challenges, the ICC remains committed to its mission of promoting justice and accountability for serious crimes. The court has faced opposition and criticism since its establishment, but it continues to pursue cases and investigations in the pursuit of justice for victims of atrocities.

In response to the sanctions imposed by Trump, the ICC and its supporters have called for solidarity and support for the court’s independence and mandate. Many have condemned the actions taken against @KarimKhanQC and other officials as an attack on the rule of law and the principles of justice.

It is essential for the international community to come together and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for serious crimes. The actions taken by Trump against the ICC highlight the need for vigilance and solidarity in the face of efforts to undermine international justice and human rights.

In conclusion, the sanctions imposed by Trump on the ICC and its officials represent a significant challenge to the pursuit of justice and accountability for serious crimes. The international community must stand together in support of the ICC and its mandate to hold individuals accountable for atrocities. The actions taken against @KarimKhanQC and others are a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and defending the principles of justice and human rights.