ICC hits back after US announces fresh sanctions on senior court figures

ICC Pushes Back After Washington Sanctions Court Leadership

Poinews.com – The International Criminal Court struck back on Tuesday after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on two of its senior figures, a move the court said threatens the foundations of international law.

“When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk,” the ICC stated in response.

The court added that the new measures “undermine the rule of law.”

Who Was Targeted

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. According to the State Department statement, both were accused of “directly” engaging “in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.”

Rubio’s Criticism

Rubio described the court as a “corrupt and fatally politicised supranational court,” claiming it had “maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.” He further stated the ICC had “repeatedly attempted to assert authority over nationals of the United States and other countries that have not consented to its jurisdiction or ratified the Rome Statute.”

Washington has long levelled accusations of “politicised actions” against the court, specifically citing its “targeting Israel.” In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu connected to the Gaza war.

A Broader Campaign

The latest measures form part of a wider strategy outlined in July, when the State Department announced plans to “systematically disable” the court’s “ability to operate.” Tools available under that campaign include expanded sanctions, visa revocations, and travel bans on ICC personnel.

The US had previously sanctioned multiple members of the court, including several judges, before this latest round.