ICC’s ‘deep concern’ at fresh US sanctions
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has said that the latest US sanctions against its personnel “erode the shared commitment to the rule of law, the fight against impunity, and the preservation of a rules-based international order”.
The US earlier this week announced sanctions against the court’s Japanese president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye (Senegal).
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the latest moves were part of the Trump administration’s campaign to “dismantle” what he described as “the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty”.
The administration had previously sanctioned eight ICC judges and the court’s prosecutor.
‘Deep concern’
The ICC’s management body, the Assembly of State Parties, expressed “deep concern” at the US actions.
It described them as “regrettable attempts to impede the court and its personnel in the exercise of their mandated functions to investigate and adjudicate cases involving the worst crimes known to humanity”.
It added that the US escalation risked undermining ongoing investigations and impeding global efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for and bringing justice to victims.
The EU also said that it “deeply regretted” the US decision and reiterated its “unwavering support” for the ICC.
“The EU stands firmly with the ICC and will continue to provide its full support to ensure the protection of the court and its staff against external pressures or threats,” a statement said.