Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru has been sanctioned by the Trump administration for her role in investigating alleged international crimes since 2003. This action is part of a broader trend, as she is one of six judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) targeted by the United States over the past year for their work. As an appeals judge, Ibanez contributed to a significant 2020 ICC ruling that opened the door for probing alleged war crimes committed by the Taliban, Afghan National Security Forces, and personnel from the US military and CIA.
Despite these sanctions, the ICC has issued two arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity related to gender persecution. This context makes Ibanez’s tenure even more pivotal, as she has served on the ICC Appeals Chamber since March 2018, with her term set to extend until March 2027.
Sanctions and Their Impact
In a recent conversation with Middle East Eye, Ibanez shared her perspective on the sanctions, emphasizing that they are a direct attack on her role as a judge. “I don’t take it personally,” she stated. “I believe I have been sanctioned because of the serious international crimes we adjudicate to end impunity and deliver justice to millions of victims worldwide.”
The sanctions not only block her ability to travel to the US but also complicate her banking activities. She explained that European banks, which generally operate independently of US policies, have also begun to restrict her access to funds. “My credit card was cancelled, and I couldn’t access my accounts in dollars. I even found I couldn’t use services like Uber or Western Union to send money home,” she said.
Ibanez recounted how the sanctions have also negatively affected her family, specifically her daughter’s US visa status, which was revoked without explanation. “This is the saddest part for me about the sanctions,” she shared, noting that others in similar positions have faced comparable hardships.
Resilience and Call for Support
Despite these challenges, Ibanez emphasized that the judges remain united and committed to their mission. She mentioned that while the sanctions have affected morale, the ICC has demonstrated resilience. “We are carrying out our daily functions to the best of our abilities,” she stated. The judges are not only focused on their roles but also on advocating for support from the international community, particularly the European Union.
“There needs to be action beyond mere words of solidarity,” she asserted. “The EU is a powerful structure, and it should not be subordinated to American policies.” Ibanez called for practical measures to protect the ICC and its judges so they can continue their vital work delivering justice for the most vulnerable victims.
She shared her experience of meeting with Dutch authorities to discuss the sanctions and their effects. Following these discussions, she reported positive developments regarding access to her accounts. “I could move at least my account in dollars to be converted into euros,” she noted, but cautioned that the future remains uncertain.
In her reflections, Ibanez drew on her extensive experience, having served as a prosecutor in Peru for 35 years before joining the ICC. She has faced threats throughout her career, including in high-profile cases against terrorism and human rights violations. “As Nelson Mandela said, the cause of the ICC is the cause of humanity,” she added, reinforcing her commitment to justice.
Ibanez remains steadfast in her belief that the work of the ICC is essential for global peace and security. “Our mission transcends personal challenges,” she concluded, echoing a collective determination among her colleagues to stand firm against any attempts to undermine their independence.
