The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement that the U.S. is sanctioning two more judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) a “lawless” attempt to cover up the Gaza genocide for the Israeli government.
Earlier this week, CAIR welcomed International Criminal Court’s (ICC) rejection of Israel’s challenge to the legality of the court’s investigation into war crimes committed in Gaza.
[NOTE: Last year, CAIR’s national office applauded the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision to reject outside pressure and issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza genocide.]
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“By sanctioning International Criminal Court judges for doing their jobs, our government is openly undermining international law and accountability for genocide. These sanctions send a clear message that Israel will be shielded from consequences no matter how egregious its crimes against humanity may be. Punishing judges who seek justice for these atrocities does not defend the rule of law, it is instead a lawless attempt to cover up genocide.”
CAIR said targeting the ICC judges for investigating war crimes in Gaza sets a dangerous precedent and further erodes U.S. credibility on human rights and the rule of law.
Israel slaughtered more than 70,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children. The true figure is likely to be much higher.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com