ICC serves the powerful rather than justice – expert

The court should demonstrate that no one is above the law, an international relations expert has told RT

The international Criminal Court has lost its legitimacy by serving the political interests of certain powers, international relations expert Ali Hammoud has told RT.

The Hague-based institution has faced criticism in recent years for allegedly failing to prosecute individuals from more powerful nations and instead going after those from Asian and African states.

In an interview on Thursday, Hammoud, who is a professor of international relations and economics at the Paris-based Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies (CEDS), claimed that the ICC applies double standards and serves global powers rather than justice.

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”For the ICC to restore its legitimacy it must demonstrate that no one individual regardless of nationality and political connection is above the law,” Hammoud said.

In November, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, charging him with responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Gaza.

Despite this, Israel has continued its offensive in the enclave and intensified strikes earlier this month after the collapse of a truce with Hamas. Despite the accusations, the Israeli leadership has the support of the European Union, which was manifested during a visit to Israel by the bloc’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas earlier this week.

Watch the interview with Ali Hammoud below.