ICC condemns US sanctions against its President and senior trial lawyer

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a sharp condemnation of the United States following Washington's imposition of sanctions against ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. The Hague-based tribunal characterized the U.S. actions as a direct threat to global justice mechanisms and the independence of judicial institutions.

“

Threatening judicial personnel directly jeopardises global justice mechanisms and leaves victims of war crimes vulnerable.

The ICC emphasized that threatening judicial personnel jeopardizes the international legal order and leaves victims of war crimes vulnerable. The court described the punitive measures as a "flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution." These designations bring the total number of ICC officials sanctioned by the U.S. to half of its sitting bench, including nine judges, two deputy prosecutors, the former prosecutor, and one staff member.

"When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk," the ICC warned in a statement. The court stressed that such actions fundamentally "undermine the rule of law" and directly hinder the global fight against impunity. Furthermore, the measures impact the ability of victims to seek justice, especially when the ICC is their last resort.

“

When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk.

Despite the pressure from Washington, the ICC affirmed its commitment to its personnel and victims of atrocities. "The Court remains undeterred and stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities," the ICC stated. It pledged to continue discharging its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes.

“

The Court remains undeterred and stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities.

The court also expressed gratitude for global support, valuing the "consistent demonstrations of solidarity of States Parties, civil society and all those who support the rule of law." The ICC vowed to continue its work with partners to ensure the effective and independent implementation of its mandate. The U.S. Secretary of State had previously stated the action was taken as part of a campaign against what the administration described as the "politicized" and "unaccountable" nature of the ICC.

“

The Court will continue to fully discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes.