US imposes sanctions on ICC president and senior prosecutor
The United States has announced sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and a senior prosecutor, drawing criticism from the tribunal.
The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer, marking an escalation in the Trump administration's ongoing challenge to the Hague-based tribunal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures, stating that the targeted officials had participated in efforts to investigate and prosecute figures from countries that have not consented to the court's jurisdiction. The US is not a member of the ICC, which was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
In response, the ICC stated that the US punitive actions "undermine the rule of law" and hinder its independent judicial mandate. The move follows broader friction over international investigations involving non-member states.
Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian
Sources
- BBC News — US announces new sanctions on top ICC figures
- Sweden Herald — US sanctions ICC judges in latest clash with court
- France24 — ICC says US sanctions on top court members 'undermine rule of law'
- The Guardian — US sanctions international criminal court president and prosecutor
- Cyprus Mail — US sanctions International Criminal Court president, senior lawyer
Earlier coverage
- Aug 19, 2026, 04:00 PM UTCUS imposes sanctions on top International Criminal Court officials
- Aug 19, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCUS imposes sanctions on top International Criminal Court officials