Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from Peru, has been sanctioned by the administration of former President Donald Trump due to her involvement in authorizing investigations into alleged crimes in Afghanistan. The sanctions, imposed in June, are part of a broader move that has seen six ICC judges targeted by the US for their judicial roles. These actions have significant implications for the judges’ professional and personal lives.
As an appeals judge, Ibanez was instrumental in the 2020 ICC decision that permitted the investigation of war crimes involving various parties, including the Taliban, Afghan National Security Forces, and personnel from the US military and CIA. Despite this, the sanctions were implemented following a 2021 decision by ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to deprioritize investigations involving US citizens, focusing instead on Afghan nationals. To date, the ICC has issued two arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity linked to gender persecution.
Judge Ibanez, who has served on the ICC Appeals Chamber since March 2018, expressed her views on the sanctions during an interview on the final day of the 24th Assembly of States Parties in The Hague. She remarked on the judicial independence that the sanctions aim to undermine, stating, “I don’t take it personally. I think I have been sanctioned in my capacity as a judge of the ICC because of the work we are doing to end impunity for horrendous crimes.”
These sanctions have not only impacted the judges’ professional roles but have also extended to their families. Ibanez shared that her daughter, an international lawyer, had her US visa revoked without explanation, hindering her ability to travel for professional engagements. She described the emotional toll of the sanctions, saying, “This is the saddest part for me about the sanctions.”
The financial ramifications are also noteworthy. The sanctions have led to the freezing of bank accounts, disrupting daily transactions and limiting access to services such as Western Union, which Ibanez typically uses to send money home. She stated, “I couldn’t even use Uber. I couldn’t even ask for an Uber meal or an Uber taxi.”
Despite these challenges, Judge Ibanez remains committed to her role. She noted that the judges are united in their determination to uphold their duties, saying, “None of these have deterred us as judges.” The ICC has demonstrated resilience, and Ibanez believes that their independence is essential for delivering justice to victims of international crimes.
In response to the sanctions, the judges engaged with Dutch authorities, seeking practical support. Ibanez recounted a meeting where she expressed her feelings of helplessness regarding over-compliance with US sanctions by European banks. Following this dialogue, she mentioned that her bank allowed her to access her funds, demonstrating a positive outcome of their advocacy efforts.
The ongoing support from the European Commission and other international bodies remains crucial, as the judges seek not only verbal solidarity but also actionable support. “Solidarity is not only a word,” Ibanez emphasized. “It should be enacted through practical measures and legislative actions to support the Court.”
Reflecting on her extensive career, which includes 35 years as a prosecutor, Ibanez is no stranger to threats and challenges. She has previously dealt with cases of terrorism and human rights violations in Peru, including high-profile prosecutions against terrorist leaders. Her work at the ICC is driven by a sense of mission, as she stated, “As Nelson Mandela said, the cause of the ICC is the cause of humanity.”
The current sanctions, though unjust, have reinforced her belief in the importance of her role within the ICC. “I must be doing something good,” she remarked, observing that both the US and Russia have taken actions against her. She concluded with a call for the international community to support the ICC and its mission for global justice, reinforcing the notion that their work ultimately serves humanity.
