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US Sanctions ICC President, Urges Allies to Quit Court
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Elections & Politics

US Sanctions ICC President, Urges Allies to Quit Court

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The U.S. imposed sanctions on the president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, and another senior magistrate.
  • Washington accuses the ICC of being politicized and claims the targeted individuals participated in investigations against officials from non-member states.
  • The sanctions, which prohibit entry into the U.S. and financial transactions, are largely a response to ICC investigations into Israel's actions in Gaza.

The United States has escalated its confrontation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on its president, Tomoko Akane, and another senior magistrate, Abdoulaye Seye. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these individuals "directly participated in the ICC's efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose governments do not accept the ICC's jurisdiction."

These individuals have directly participated in the ICC's efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose governments do not accept the ICC's jurisdiction.

— Marco RubioU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explaining the rationale behind the sanctions.

These sanctions, which include barring the targeted officials from entering the U.S. and freezing any financial or property transactions, are primarily a reaction to the ICC's investigations concerning Israel, a key U.S. ally. The court had previously issued arrest warrants in 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related to the war in Gaza.

The U.S., not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, has been vocal in its criticism, labeling the court "corrupt and grossly politicized." This move follows a broader diplomatic offensive launched by Washington last month, urging its partners to withdraw from the ICC. Chad and Venezuela have recently followed suit, and Rubio expressed confidence that more countries would join.

The administration has been clear: the ICC is a corrupt and grossly politicized supranational jurisdiction that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.

— Marco RubioMarco Rubio denouncing the ICC's actions.

The ICC, based in The Hague, has expressed "concern" over these withdrawals, warning that they could jeopardize the collective pursuit of justice. The court maintains its commitment to its mandate, stating it will not be intimidated and will continue to operate with independence and impartiality, upholding the Rome Statute. The U.S. sanctions underscore a significant rift between Washington and the international judicial body over its jurisdiction and investigations.

We will not tolerate it undermining the sovereignty of the United States.

— Marco RubioU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the ICC's perceived overreach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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