As a lawyer specialising in international criminal law and on the List of Counsel at the International Criminal Court, William Julié was interviewed by Le Figaro, alongside his colleague Johann Soufi, and Julian Fernandez, professor of public law, on the reasons for and consequences of US President Donal Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
William Julié recalled the possibility offered to the ICC by Article 70 of the Rome Statute to initiate proceedings against any person who undermines the proper administration of justice. The issue to be resolved remains that of the Court’s jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not parties to the Rome Statute, such as the United States.
He also emphasised the possibility of the European Union issuing sanctions against the United States, although this would be subject to a unanimous vote by the EU Council and is eminently political in nature