US imposes sanctions on president of the International Criminal Court

The United States imposed sanctions on Tuesday against the president of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, along with a senior lawyer at the court. This was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The measures target not only Akane but also Senegalese lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, who serves as the court's chief prosecutor.

The sanctions are based on a decree issued in 2025 by US President Donald Trump. Rubio framed the sanctions within the context of an ongoing conflict between the US and the International Criminal Court, which is headquartered in The Hague.

The decision to impose sanctions on the court's leadership intensifies an existing dispute concerning the legal rulings and functions of the ICC. The US has previously expressed criticism regarding the court's proceedings.

In response to the new sanctions, the Japanese government has expressed concern over the measures. Tokyo addressed the implications for international justice and emphasized that legal regulations should be respected.

The sanctions thus not only affect the individuals involved but also raise concerns about the resilience of the International Criminal Court and the international relations between the US and other member states.

The International Criminal Court is responsible for prosecuting crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, but remains unaffected by US influence in its decisions or proceedings. The ongoing tensions could further complicate future US cooperation with the court.