ICC President Akane decries US sanctions as threat to global rule of law

On August 18 the United States barred ICC President Tomoko Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye from entering the country and from using its financial system. Akane, who has led the court since March 2024, posted on X that she anticipated the action but warned it should not herald the demise of international rule of law. The ICC responded on August 19, calling the sanctions a flagrant attack on its independence, and the United Nations rights chief Volker Turk and top EU officials expressed solidarity.

Japan’s foreign ministry objected, noting its consistent backing of the court’s mission to prosecute serious crimes. The sanctions follow a broader US campaign targeting ICC officials over investigations involving Israel, a US ally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the designated individuals were involved in ICC efforts to pursue officials from non-cooperating states, without providing specifics.