The International Criminal Court lashed out at the United States on Wednesday after Washington imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, calling the move a “flagrant attack” on the court’s independence. On Tuesday, the United States sanctioned Japanese trial lawyer Akane and Senegalese trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as part of its campaign against what it deems a “corrupt and fatally politicized” agency.
“The unacceptable new sanctions imposed by the United States against the President of the International Criminal Court and a prosecution staff member must be lifted,” Turk stated. In a joint statement on X, European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said the court “must be able to act independently and without external pressure.”
The court’s independence was also deemed “of central importance” by Germany’s foreign ministry, while the Netherlands, which hosts the court in The Hague, also expressed concern. Spain joined the chorus of censure, describing the court as “the cornerstone of the international criminal justice system”. In a statement, the court said, “These sanctions are a flagrant attack on the independence of an impartial judicial institution.” These measures target judges, prosecutors, and staff.
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