U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions targeting two International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, citing their involvement in investigations that seek to prosecute individuals from governments that have not consented to ICC jurisdiction.
Sanctioned officials
The sanctions were placed on ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, who is Senegalese. Rubio said the individuals “directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.”
Broader U.S. campaign
This action follows a larger, State Department‑led, whole‑of‑government campaign to dismantle the ICC, a strategy first advanced during the Trump administration. The administration has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials for attempts to investigate the United States and Israel, both non‑members of the court.
Rubio urged additional countries to join the effort, stating that nations should end funding and participation in what he described as a “politicized and unaccountable court.” He warned that the ICC’s ability to target American nationals must be stopped to protect U.S. sovereignty.
International response
Venezuela’s interim government announced in late July that it would withdraw from the ICC, citing perceived bias toward African and Latin American nations. Chad also declared its intention to leave the court. The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties expressed concern, noting that such withdrawals could undermine global justice efforts.
A U.S. official noted that countries partnering with U.S. law enforcement, hosting U.S. military forces, or benefiting from the U.S. security umbrella are being asked to reject the ICC’s authority over American officials and service members.
Background
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for several officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. The court’s actions have been a point of contention for successive U.S. administrations.
The State Department praised recent withdrawals, arguing that the ICC has focused its resources on nations with competent, independent judicial systems that have not submitted to its jurisdiction.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
