US sanctions two ICC officials, Trump administration escalates pressure on court

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on two senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, including ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.

The State Department said the two officials were designated under Executive Order 14203, which authorizes sanctions against ICC personnel involved in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute officials from countries that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction.

Washington says the ICC has overstepped its authority by pursuing cases against US citizens and nationals of other countries that are not party to the Rome Statute, arguing that the court has no jurisdiction over them.

“The Trump Administration has been clear: the International Criminal Court is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court,” the State Department said, arguing that Washington would not accept what it described as the court’s “assault on state sovereignty.”

The latest sanctions are part of a broader diplomatic campaign launched by the administration last month to challenge the ICC’s authority and limit its ability to pursue US nationals.

Washington said it expects more countries to join its efforts by ending their funding and participation in the court.

The administration also warned that it could impose additional measures if necessary, saying it intends to ensure the ICC can no longer target Americans or nationals of other countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute.