US senator invokes 'Hague Invasion Act' to threaten ICC

Republican Senator Tom Cotton has lashed out at the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing a US law that permits the president to use "all means necessary and appropriate" to free Americans or allies detained by the court.  

Passed in 2002, the American Service-Members' Protection Act, often referred to as the "Hague Invasion Act," was designed to shield US personnel from ICC jurisdiction. Rights groups argue the law aims to intimidate nations that support the ICC treaty. It authorises military action to rescue any American or allied citizen held by the court in The Hague.  

Cotton condemned the ICC in a social media post, calling it a "kangaroo court" and labelling its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, a "deranged fanatic". 

“Woe to him and anyone who tries to enforce these outlaw warrants. Let me give them all a friendly reminder: the American law on the ICC is known as The Hague Invasion Act for a reason. Think about it,” Cotton warned.