The International Criminal Court (ICC) is in a tough spot. Based in the Netherlands, this court is meant to put powerful people on trial for the worst crimes in the world, like war crimes or genocide.

Recently, the United States decided to put sanctions on some of the court’s judges. Sanctions are basically punishments that cut people off from money or travel. The U.S. government did this because it is unhappy with the way the court works.

Germany is now stepping up to help. Germany’s foreign minister recently visited the court to show they have its back. They are promising full support for the court even though the U.S. is pushing hard against it.

Other leaders in Europe are joining in, too. A group of lawmakers from the European Union is telling their main leadership team to take action. They want the E.U. to block the U.S. sanctions and find ways to protect the judges from being punished.

Some experts think Europe has the power to protect the court if they want to. They have certain legal tools and economic power that could shield the court from the pressure coming from Washington.

One ICC judge shared what it is actually like to live under these U.S. sanctions. For the people working there, it makes their already difficult job much harder. They face travel bans and financial troubles just for doing their work.

Even with the U.S. turning up the heat, Germany and other European nations are staying firm. They believe the court is an important part of making sure justice is served around the world.

Source: NPR