USA Impose Sanctions on International Criminal Court Chief

20.08.2026 03:25 HotInfo

The United States has imposed new sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio announced the measure, which represents a further escalation of Washington's dispute with the court based in The Hague. Spiegel.de ↗

Akane, a Japanese judge, has led the court since 2024. The sanctions also apply to Senegalese lawyer Seye, who is part of a team associated with the Office of the Prosecutor. The United States is thereby increasing pressure on an institution it has long criticized for its procedures and powers. According to available information, this is not the first American measure aimed at court officials. Deutschlandfunk ↗

Washington's steps have provoked criticism in Europe. The German government rejected the sanctions, calling them an attack on international criminal law. At the same time, it stated that it will continue to support the International Criminal Court. The Netherlands, which as the court's host country emphasized its special responsibility for its functioning and support of its mandate, also expressed disagreement.

The dispute between the United States and the International Criminal Court thus continues at both diplomatic and legal levels. Further developments will depend on the court's own response, European governments' reactions, and whether Washington will extend sanctions pressure to other officials of the institution.