ICC says US sanctions ‘flagrant attack’ on court independence

In a strong condemnation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday denounced the United States' sanctions imposed on its president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. The US actions, the ICC stated, constitute a "flagrant attack" on the court's independence. The Hague-based court, known for prosecuting individuals accused of the most serious crimes, emphasized that such measures undermine the rule of law.

The US sanctions, which also apply to several other ICC officials, were in response to investigations involving Israel, a US ally. Japan, another major financial contributor to the ICC and a close US ally, expressed regret over the sanctions, emphasizing its consistent support for the court's efforts to prosecute the gravest crimes.

The US State Department's Marco Rubio accused the sanctioned individuals of directly engaging in investigations and arrests by the ICC, which US officials claim exceeded its mandate. In contrast, the ICC warned that when judicial actors face threats for applying the law, it jeopardizes the entire international legal order.

The US sanctions follow similar measures taken against ICC officials, largely in reaction to the court's inquiries concerning Israel. These actions come amid growing tensions between the US and the ICC, with the US accusing the court of "threatening" Americans and calling for partners to withdraw from the body. This diplomatic push has prompted countries like Chad and Venezuela to consider leaving the ICC, potentially undermining the court's mission to seek justice worldwide.