By Our Reporter
US President Donald Trump has called on countries that are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution, describing it as an “out-of-control” body.
Trump made the call on Tuesday while addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
“The United States is equally opposed to the out-of-control institution known as the International Criminal Court,” Trump said.
“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” he added.
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of some of the world’s most serious international crimes.
Trump’s latest criticism comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and the court, particularly following the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close US ally.
The United States has imposed sanctions on ICC officials over the court’s actions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also previously vowed to dismantle the institution “brick by brick,” describing it as a threat to US sovereignty.
Trump said the United States would not permit its military personnel or other Americans to be subjected to investigations or what he called “show-trials” by a tribunal that, in his view, has no jurisdiction over the country.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has never ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. Israel, Russia and China are also not members.
Trump delivered his remarks during the UNGA session in New York on Tuesday.