Story perspectives

U.S. Sanctions ICC President Tomoko Akane, Trial Lawyer

8/19/2026

Left

U.S. Sanctions ICC

United States announced sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.
The sanctions threaten human-rights advocacy and block victims’ ability to seek international justice, a concern highlighted by rights groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called ICC corrupt and said sanctions aim to dismantle it.
Balkees Jarrah said sanctions show contempt for law, prompting four U.S. rights groups to sue.

Right

U.S. Targets ICC

On August 18, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
The U.S. explicitly framed the sanctions as defending American sovereignty against a corrupt, politicized court.
Treasury issued a license to wind down remaining existing transactions with them by September 17.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the sanctions as very unfortunate.

Center

U.S. Sanctions ICC

U.S. imposed sanctions on August 18, 2026 against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.
The measures are part of a U.S. campaign to dismantle the Criminal Court, accusing it of overreaching into non-consenting jurisdictions.
The sanctions freeze Akane’s and Seye’s U.S. assets and prohibit entry into United States.
ICC judges and groups sued in New York, saying sanctions hinder the court and victims.

Blindspot

Human Rights Watch director Balkees Jarrah said the sanctions are intended to shield U.S. and Israeli officials from accountability, reflecting contempt for international law.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center- and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After the United States passed the American Service-Members’ Protection Act on August 2 2002—signed by President George W. Bush and approved by the Senate 75-19 to bar cooperation with the International Criminal Court—the law authorizes the president to use all means to free U.S. or allied personnel detained by the ICC. In August 2026 U.S. invoked that precedent, freezing assets and denying entry to ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.

1 of 5

U.S. Sanctions ICC

United States announced sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.
The sanctions threaten human-rights advocacy and block victims’ ability to seek international justice, a concern highlighted by rights groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called ICC corrupt and said sanctions aim to dismantle it.
Balkees Jarrah said sanctions show contempt for law, prompting four U.S. rights groups to sue.

1 / 5