US State Secretary: ICC has 'lunatics, crazies'

MANILA — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday rejected the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying no U.S. political or military officials would ever face trial before the tribunal because the United States is not a signatory to its founding treaty.

Speaking to reporters in Manila, Rubio criticized some members of the ICC, calling them “lunatics” and “crazies,” and said the United States would not recognize the court’s authority over American citizens.

“If people want to sign and be a part of that stupid organisation, they can. But we’re not going to be a part of it, and they’re not going to apply their jurisdiction to Americans,” Rubio said.

The ICC, established under the Rome Statute, investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The United States has signed but not ratified the treaty and has maintained that the court has no authority over its citizens.

Rubio made the remarks during his visit to Manila, where he held discussions with Philippine officials on regional and security issues.

-Reporting by Michael Martina; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway/Reuters