EFF Criticises US Sanctions Against ICC Judges, Some South Africans Find Party’s Stance Ironic
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has again criticised the United States of America's government, this time over Israel
- The USA recently sanctioned two more judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), bringing the total number to eight
- South Africans weighed in on the party's actions, sharing mixed reactions to the decision to criticise the Donald Trump administration once more
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism
GAUTENG – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised the United States government once again, this time over its sanctions against judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Donald Trump administration has sanctioned two more ICC judges, accusing them of targeting Israel. The US has previously sanctioned at least six other ICC judges and three prosecutors.
The move has sparked criticism from many, with Julius Malema’s party the latest to weigh in on the Trump administration’s actions.
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EFF describes the decision as an attack on judicial independence
In an official statement, the party labelled the decision as a brazen attack on judicial independence.
The Red Berets said that the actions of the US undermined international law and sought to protect allies from accountability.
“By wielding sanctions as an instrument to intimidate and coerce independent judicial bodies, the United States sets a precedent that emboldens those who commit atrocities, weakens the rule of law, and diminishes the prospects for victims of the world’s gravest crimes to see justice done,” the EFF stated.
The EFF also said that under the Trump administration, there was more aggression, coercive diplomacy, and an expansion of US imperial interests that destabilised international order.
You can view the full statement below.
Why did the US sanction ICC judges
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US was sanctioning two more judges because they were involved in the ICC’s efforts to ‘investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel’s consent’. Rubio also accused the ICC of engaging in ‘politicised actions targeting Israel’.
The ICC responded by saying that the sanctions were a flagrant attack on the court’s independence.
How did South Africans react to the EFF’s statement?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news, with some saying that it was ironic that the EFF was talking about respecting the judiciary.
Sipho Rams Snr suggested:
“This is a bigger battle. The EFF should stay in its lane.”
Jaco Oberholzer stated:
“EFF and justice can't be used in the same sentence.”
Gizmo noted:
“Malema talking about respecting judges and the judiciary. I remember him calling judges racist, incompetent, politically motivated, etc.”
Angie David agreed:
“What a joke. Pot calling the kettle black.”
Americo Pinheiro said:
“Julius is trying to be relevant again.”
Ero Mzu stated:
“South Africa will not withdraw its case against Israel at the International Criminal Court of Justice, no matter what Donald Trump threatens to do.”
Tshifhango Rinae Prosperity added:
“Just because it is said by Julius Malema, and you disagree, it doesn't mean it's not right.”
Malema calls Trump the new Hitler
Briefly News reported that Malema recently criticised some of the recent actions taken by Trump following the G20 Summit in South Africa.
The leader of the EFF described the President of the United States of America as the new Hitler, expressing concern about US fascism and imperialism.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Red Berets also called for a boycott of the G20 if South Africa was not invited.
Source: Briefly News
