The United States has imposed sanctions under Executive Order 14203 on Nazhat Shameem Khan, a former Fijian diplomat and High Court judge who now serves as Deputy Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Washington accuses Khan of backing ICC actions against Israeli leaders, including arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Under the measures, any assets Khan may hold in the United States are frozen, and U.S. citizens and businesses are barred from dealings with her. The restrictions also extend to entities she may control. Khan is one of four ICC officials singled out, alongside Judges Kimberly Prost and Nicolas Guillou, and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.
Khan’s career includes a prominent tenure as Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and she served as president of the UN Human Rights Council in 2021. In Fiji, she is recognized for her work on judicial reform and human rights.
The United States says the ICC’s actions against Israeli leaders are politically motivated, and the ICC has not yet issued a response to the sanctions.
Context from related coverage shows Khan has held senior leadership roles at the ICC, including serving as Acting Chief Prosecutor during a temporary absence of Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC, and continuing to work with the Office of the Prosecutor. This broader view underscores Khan’s long-standing involvement in international justice.
Comments and analysis:
– The sanctions spotlight ongoing U.S. concerns about ICC actions perceived as challenging national sovereignty, particularly in high-profile cases involving allied leaders.
– For Khan, the measures limit financial and business engagements with her in the U.S., potentially affecting her international work and mobility.
– For the ICC, the move could intensify debates over the balance between international accountability and political considerations in prosecutorial decisions.
Summary of key points:
– Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji-born diplomat and judge, now ICC Deputy Prosecutor, sanctioned by the U.S. under EO 14203.
– Sanctions target assets, and bar U.S. persons and entities from dealing with her; four ICC officials named.
– US alleges ICC actions against Israel are politically motivated; ICC has not commented.
– Khan has a distinguished background in Fiji and at the UN, including leading roles in human rights and judicial reform.
– Related reporting notes Khan’s experience in ICC leadership roles, including interim Chief Prosecutor duties during a temporary vacancy.
Additional note:
– This development may spur broader dialogue on ICC governance and the international community’s responses to high-stakes prosecutions, while illustrating the evolving dynamics between the United States and international judicial bodies.
Leave a comment