US imposes sanctions on top International Criminal Court officials
The US has placed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior lawyer, drawing condemnation from the tribunal for undermining the rule of law.
The United States has enacted sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer, intensifying the Trump administration's campaign against the tribunal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the punitive measures, stating that the targeted officials had participated in efforts to investigate and prosecute public figures from countries that have not accepted the court's jurisdiction. The US is not an ICC member and has labeled the institution politicized.
In response, the ICC warned that the sanctions "undermine the rule of law" and impede its independent judicial mandate. Established in 2002 and supported by over 120 member states, the Hague-based court investigates war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
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, 03:30 AM UTCUS imposes sanctions on ICC president and senior prosecutor