US sanctions ICC president over court’s investigations

The United States has sanctioned International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The sanctions were imposed under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last year, targeting individuals who have engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials without their government's consent.

The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, though the United States is not a member. The sanctions target Akane and Seye specifically due to their involvement in the court's arrest warrants for Israeli officials and an investigation into U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The U.S. Treasury Department also issued a general license for transactions involving Akane until September 17, effectively cutting her off from the U.S. financial system.

Three ICC judges have challenged the sanctions, arguing they are unlawful. The administration plans to expand efforts to undermine the ICC, citing threats to U.S. personnel involved in its immigration policies and military actions.