(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined Reps. Ilhan  Omar (D-MN) and Jim McGovern in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to request information on the Administration’s decision to restrict visas of International Criminal Court (ICC) staff.

The Members were joined by Rep. David Cicciline (D-RI), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI).

“The United States should be a leader in promoting justice and rule of law around the world. But with this decision, the Administration is actively undermining accountability for some of the most heinous and egregious crimes in the world—including rape, torture, and genocide,” Rep. Ilhan Omar said. “The staff of the ICC have dedicated their lives to upholding justice and human rights. They should be able to do their jobs with support, not interference.”

“The International Criminal Court exists because far too often, countries are unable or unwilling to punish authorities responsible for terrible crimes like massacres, torture and forced disappearance,” Rep. Jim McGovern said. “This ideologically-driven attack on the ICC is a gift to perpetrators while robbing victims – like the people of Sudan – of their hopes for justice. The United States should assert its global leadership in promoting the rule of law and collaborate and cooperate with the ICC, not attempt to subvert it.  The Administration’s policy should be reversed.”

“In the fight for justice and accountability across the globe, we cannot allow efforts to be undermined,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib said. “The ICC plays a critical role in the fight for justice and the Administration’s restrictions of visas of ICC personnel puts the U.S. on the wrong side of justice. I urge the administration to reverse these restrictions and sanctions on the ICC staff.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

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