US judge blocks Trump administration sanctions on human rights groups cooperating with ICC
Federal court rules restrictions on sharing evidence with international tribunal violate free speech protections
WASHINGTON (MNTV) – A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from imposing penalties on two human rights organizations for cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC), ruling that the restrictions violate constitutional free speech protections.
US District Judge Jesse Furman issued a preliminary injunction protecting Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and the Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide (TAAG) from prosecution under sanctions targeting individuals and organizations working with the court.
The ruling prevents federal authorities from imposing civil fines of up to $377,700 or criminal penalties carrying prison sentences of up to 20 years against the two groups for their protected activities.
Furman found that the restrictions amounted to unconstitutional limits on speech because they targeted communications based on their content and failed to meet the strict legal standards required to justify such measures.
DAWN has regularly provided the ICC with evidence of alleged war crimes under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, which allows individuals and organizations to submit information about potential crimes.
TAAG, established to pursue similar submissions, had suspended its planned cooperation with the court over fears of prosecution.
Both organizations welcomed the decision and said they would resume submitting evidence to the ICC.
They also announced plans to restore cooperation with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Palestinian human rights organizations Al-Haq, Al Mezan and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights.
The lawsuit challenged Executive Order 14203, signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025, which authorized sanctions connected to ICC investigations involving the US and its allies, including Israel.
The administration has targeted ICC officials, including former prosecutor Karim Khan and six judges, as well as UN personnel.
Last Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced additional sanctions against the court and warned of further US action unless member states restricted its authority.
Washington’s confrontation with the ICC intensified after the tribunal issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The ICC has 125 member states, but neither the US nor Israel recognizes its jurisdiction as a state party.
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