Insan Organization for Rights and Freedoms is deeply concerned by the recent U.S. measures targeting officials within the international justice system, most notably the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, as well as previous actions and sanctions imposed on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to the performance of their legal and professional duties.

The organization also condemns reports indicating that the head of the Israeli Mossad threatened former ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and exerted pressure on her and her family in an attempt to influence investigations into crimes committed in the Palestinian territories.

Insan Organization for Rights and Freedoms expresses its full solidarity with all UN officials, judges, and prosecutors who carry out their duties independently and impartially in accordance with international law. The organization believes that imposing sanctions or applying political pressure against them constitutes a dangerous precedent that undermines the independence of international justice and weakens efforts aimed at combating impunity.

The organization further emphasizes that targeting the highest international judicial bodies or their personnel because of their investigations or legal positions constitutes a violation of the principles of justice and the rule of law. Such actions send a negative message to victims around the world that political considerations may prevail over the requirements of accountability and justice.

Insan Organization also stresses that protecting the independence of the International Criminal Court and the United Nations human rights mechanisms is a collective responsibility of the international community. Any attempts to pressure judges, prosecutors, or UN rapporteurs must be met with clear and firm international positions that safeguard the integrity of international institutions and their role in delivering justice.

The organization calls on the United Nations, member states, and international human rights organizations to take supportive positions in defense of the independence of international justice and to reject all forms of intimidation, sanctions, or pressure directed against personnel working in international justice institutions because of the performance of their legal duties.

International justice cannot fulfill its mission of protecting human rights and holding perpetrators of grave violations accountable unless its institutions enjoy full independence and are protected from political interference and pressure.