Full Breakdown
U.S. Sanctions Target ICC President and Senior Prosecutor, Prompting International Pushback
8/19/2026, 8:55:22 PM
Core Event
On August 18, 2026, the United States announced sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane (Japan) and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye (Senegal). The measures freeze any U.S.-held assets, bar entry to the United States and restrict transactions with U.S. financial institutions. A Treasury “general license” permits a wind-down of existing transactions through September 17.
Background & Context
The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national systems are unable or unwilling to act. The United States has never ratified the Rome Statute and has repeatedly challenged ICC investigations involving U.S. forces in Afghanistan and, more recently, arrest warrants issued in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
Since February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorising sanctions against ICC personnel deemed to threaten U.S. sovereignty. The August 2026 designations bring the total number of sanctioned ICC staff to 13, including nine of the court’s 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors, the former chief prosecutor and a trial attorney.
Data & Statistics
- 13 ICC officials sanctioned to date.
- 9 of the court’s 18 judges are now on the U.S. sanctions list.
- Sanctions affect assets and financial services linked to the U.S.
Official Statements & Responses
- Japan – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura called the measures “very unfortunate,” emphasizing Japan’s long-standing support for the ICC and its commitment to “strengthening the rule of law” while maintaining dialogue with the United States.
- Netherlands – Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen expressed disapproval, stating “International courts and tribunals must be able to freely carry out their mandates” and inviting President Akane to discuss continued Dutch support.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total count of sanctioned ICC personnel. Reuters reports 13 individuals, noting nine judges, both deputy prosecutors, the former prosecutor and a trial attorney. NBC News and other outlets cite 11 or “at least 11” officials sanctioned earlier in the campaign. The discrepancy reflects varying cut-off dates for counting newly added designations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction,” — State Marco Rubio, the chief
- “The Trump Administration has been clear: the International Criminal Court is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate,” — S. Secretary, of State Marco Rubio
- “The announced measures are very unfortunate,” — Toshihiro Kitamura, ministry spokesperson
- “Such measures targeting judges, prosecutors and staff undermine the rule of law,” — the court
These quotations capture the core arguments from the United States, the ICC, Japan’s foreign ministry and the court’s own assessment of the sanctions.
