Spain regrets U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court president

The Spanish government has voiced strong disapproval of sanctions imposed by the United States against the president and chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Madrid considers these measures a direct "attack" on the independence and integrity of the judicial institution.

The U.S. sanctions target ICC President Tomoko Akane and lead prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. They are part of an ongoing U.S. effort to counter the court's investigations into alleged crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and actions concerning Israeli leaders, including arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

“

These sanctions constitute a flagrant attack against the independence, integrity and impartiality of the International Criminal Court, whose mandate derives from the mandate granted by the States Parties to the Rome Statute.

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation issued a statement asserting that the sanctions "constitute a flagrant attack against the independence, integrity and impartiality of the International Criminal Court." The ministry defended the ICC's "indispensable role" in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes against humanity and in protecting victims.

The U.S. administration has characterized the ICC as a "corrupt and deeply politicized" tribunal that has overstepped its mandate and challenges U.S. sovereignty. Despite this, Spain reiterated its "firm and unequivocal" support for the ICC and expressed full solidarity with its judges, prosecutors, and staff affected by the sanctions.

“

The CPI plays an indispensable role in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes against humanity and in contributing to the protection and reparation of victims.