ICC Operations: Deputy Prosecutor Reports Staff Banking Friction Ahead of Sanctions
Nazhat Shameem Khan says investigations continue despite early financial hurdles, while Washington counts down a six-month grace period.
By Aever Bundji ·
The International Criminal Court is experiencing financial friction before the United States enforces its new sanctions.
Nazhat Shameem Khan, the deputy prosecutor, stated that some staff members are already facing banking difficulties. The US Department of State announced the measures on October 9, giving the court a six-month window to negotiate a solution. Khan noted that banks are over-complying to minimize risk while the scope of the measures remains uncertain. She explained that although the sanctions target the institution, individual members are feeling the impact.
Khan maintained that the court’s work has not stalled. She cited significant progress in the investigation into the war in Gaza. War crimes arrest warrants were issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant in November 2024. No further charges have been announced since late 2024. Khan attributed this silence to a court rule requiring all warrant applications to remain secret until judges approve their release. She stated that the appearance of inactivity does not reflect the internal pace of the investigations.
The court is taking steps to reduce its reliance on American infrastructure. It is switching software from Microsoft to European alternatives. It is also negotiating with service providers regarding banking and health insurance. Khan said the court has not reduced its capability or output based on the sanctions. She acknowledged, however, that the full impact of the measures is difficult to anticipate until they officially take effect.
Khan is familiar with the personal costs of US sanctions. She was one of 13 ICC staff targeted in February 2025. She described life without a credit card as inconvenient, particularly for travel. She contrasted this administrative burden with the needs of victims in refugee camps and sites of mass atrocities. She said those victims are less concerned with financial tools and more focused on receiving justice.
Other disruptions continue within the prosecutor's office. Formal investigations began in late November 2024 into allegations of sexual harassment against former chief prosecutor Karim Khan. The British jurist denied the charges. He was removed from his position in July 2026 following a vote by member states. Khan is currently co-running the office pending the appointment of a new chief prosecutor.
The ICC registrar is negotiating with the European Union to protect the court from the sanctions. The European Parliament awarded the court its Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday. Khan described the award as an important message of support for staff. She said the attention reflects the court's role in providing a venue for victims who seek to bypass politics.
Source: The Guardian
