Rome, 19 July (LaPresse) – Judge Nancy Torresen of the Federal District Court has blocked the implementation of the executive order with which US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on those who cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigations into US citizens or allies of the US, such as Israel. According to the federal judge, the executive order most likely violates the First Amendment and the guarantee of freedom of speech. The case concerned two US human rights activists in particular. The ruling was a serious blow, albeit temporary and limited, to Trump's efforts to target the ICC, which has come under fire for issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials.