U.S. Sanctions Freeze Out International Criminal Court Judges

American sanctions are disrupting the daily work of the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.). President Trump authorized the measures against top I.C.C. officials last month. The court is investigating potential war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The sanctions block access to American services, including banking. This has made routine tasks, like paying bills or buying office supplies, a major challenge for the targeted officials. The I.C.C., based in The Hague, is a global court. It prosecutes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The United States is not a member. Legal experts warn the sanctions could damage the court's independence. They say the action aims to halt the Afghanistan investigation.