ICC Calls US Sanctions an Attack on Justice

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday (19/8) firmly rejected new sanctions from the United States targeting the court’s president and a senior lawyer in the prosecutor’s office, calling the measures an “open attack” on judicial independence.

The latest sanctions target ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal—a senior trial lawyer in the Office of the Prosecutor, according to a statement from the Hague-based court.

The institution said nine of its 18 judges, two deputy prosecutors, a former prosecutor and a member of staff are now subject to US sanctions.

“These sanctions constitute a blatant attack on the independence of an impartial judicial institution operating under a mandate given by state representatives from various regions,” the ICC asserted.

Sanctions targeting judges, prosecutors and other court personnel for carrying out the ICC’s mandate undermine the rule of law and endanger the international legal order, the statement added.

The court also warned that such threats and coercive measures affect victims’ ability to seek justice, particularly when they turn to the ICC after exhausting all other available avenues.

“The court will continue to carry out its mandate fully, independently and impartially, in accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interests of victims of international crimes,” it stressed.

The court also welcomed statements of support from member states, civil society organisations and other parties that uphold international justice and the rule of law.