New york: Two US-based advocacy groups have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming that the measures violate First Amendment rights by hampering their ability to engage in human rights advocacy related to Palestine.
According to Anadolu Agency, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and the Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide (TAAG) initiated the lawsuit in a Manhattan federal court. They are seeking to block the administration from enforcing sanctions that allegedly prevent US citizens from communicating and collaborating with the ICC, Palestinian human rights organizations, and a United Nations expert.
The lawsuit follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's renewed criticism of the ICC, including a July 13 opinion article in the Wall Street Journal, where he pledged ongoing efforts to undermine the court and referenced DAWN's advocacy for international justice.
The plaintiffs are contesting Executive Order 14203, issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025. This order authorizes sanctions against foreign individuals and organizations supporting ICC investigations involving US or Israeli nationals. It prohibits Americans from providing or receiving "services" from sanctioned entities, with potential civil and criminal penalties for violations.
DAWN and TAAG assert that the sanctions have forced them and other advocacy groups to cease working with the ICC and cut ties with sanctioned Palestinian human rights organizations and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese due to fears of prosecution.
Omar Shakir, DAWN's executive director, stated, "The Trump administration is using the blunt instrument of economic sanctions not only to punish human rights defenders but to police the political expression of millions of Americans." He added that the government is infringing on constitutional rights to shield foreign officials who have committed genocide.
The lawsuit argues that the sanctions infringe on free speech and freedom of association under the First Amendment by blocking Americans from submitting evidence to the ICC, collaborating with sanctioned organizations, or advocating for war crime investigations involving US and Israeli officials.
Additionally, it contends that the executive order exceeds the president's authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which exempts "personal communications" and the exchange of "information or informational materials" from sanctions restrictions.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to prevent the administration from using the executive order to restrict Americans from supporting ICC investigations or working with sanctioned human rights organizations and individuals.