Halsema and seven European mayors call on European Commission to protect International Criminal Court
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and seven other European mayors have sent a letter to the European Commission requesting support for the International Criminal Court. The group argues that the court is under threat due to international sanctions and requires a unified European effort to maintain its independence and safety.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has joined forces with the mayors of seven other major European cities to urge the European Commission to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on October 27, the signatories expressed their grave concerns regarding the future of the court and the stability of the international legal order.
The coalition of leaders, which includes the mayors of cities such as The Hague, Brussels, and Paris, argued that the ICC is facing significant existential pressure due to external sanctions, specifically those imposed by the United States. They emphasized that protecting such institutions is not solely the responsibility of host countries but requires a coordinated global response. Consequently, they are calling on the European Commission to leverage its diplomatic influence and international network to ensure the ICC can continue its vital work independently and safely, asserting that those who uphold justice should not be subjected to retaliation.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
