Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United States has announced new sanctions targeting International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, described by the ICC as a "flagrant attack against the independence" of the institution, which operates under mandates from its States Parties.
The ICC, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. Although it is not a UN body, the Security Council can refer cases to it. The US is not a party to the Rome Statute and views the ICC’s authority as a potential threat to its national sovereignty, expressing concern it could prosecute US citizens for alleged crimes in countries recognizing the court’s jurisdiction.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited these sovereignty concerns during the announcement of the sanctions. The move comes amid investigations, including allegations against Israeli officials related to the Gaza conflict. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes. The US has previously sanctioned other ICC officials, including former prosecutor Karim Khan.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern over the sanctions and the ongoing designation of ICC employees. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the ICC's role as a key pillar of international criminal justice, noting its separate but important relationship with the United Nations.
According to reports, these sanctions restrict transactions with US citizens and complicate ICC officials’ access to the global financial system, impacting nine of the court’s 18 judges, deputy prosecutors, and other staff members.