Navi Pillay, the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, criticized what she called "illegal" sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on the International Criminal Court, saying he needs instruction in international law.
In an interview with France Press on Wednesday, Pillay said the announcement of American sanctions against the court came within hours of her Nobel award and was not coincidental. She characterized the timing as a "response to the fact that the prize was not awarded to Trump."
Pillay, 85, served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and chaired an independent United Nations investigative committee that concluded last year that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
When asked what message she wanted to convey to Trump, Pillay said: "Call your legal advisers to explain to you what international law is." She added that he should ask his advisers to explain why his interference in the work of an independent international court is illegal.
Pillay said she was still processing news of her Nobel award. The U.S. announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court on Friday, according to sources.