A statement of the President of the Republic of Slovenia about the Imposition of U.S. Sanctions against Four Judges of the International Criminal Court

"This move is deeply troubling and unacceptable. No country should threaten or punish those who serve international justice and the rule of law. The ICC is an independent judicial institution established by the international community to prosecute the most serious crimes of concern to humanity. Undermining its judges is an attack on the very idea of accountability and justice.

As President of the Republic of Slovenia – and as a committed advocate for international law – I stand in full solidarity with Judge Hohler and her colleagues. They deserve our respect and protection, not coercion or intimidation.

Slovenia will continue to defend the independence of the ICC. Justice must never be politicized. We must uphold the principle that no one is above the law.

This decision by the United States did not mark the death of international law. On the contrary, it only strengthens our determination to uphold it — because respect for international law lies at the heart of Slovenia’s foreign policy," underlines the President.