Story perspectives

U.S. Sanctions ICC President Akane, Lawyer Seye

8/19/2026

Left

US Sanctions ICC

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on August 18, 2026 that the United States was sanctioning ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
The sanctions threaten victims’ ability to obtain justice and impose hardships on ICC staff and their families.
The International Criminal Court labeled the sanctions a flagrant attack on its independence.
Four U.S. rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, sued the Trump administration, citing constitutional violations.

Right

US Sanctions ICC

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on August 18, 2026 that the United States was sanctioning ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
The administration framed the sanctions as defending national sovereignty against a corrupt, politicized International Criminal Court.
The sanctions freeze any assets Akane and Seye hold in U.S. jurisdictions.
President Donald Trump’s Feb 2025 order authorized sanctions, prompting Senator Mike Lee to praise them.

Center

US Sanctions ICC

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on August 18, 2026 that the United States was sanctioning ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
Netherlands foreign minister Tom Berendsen publicly disapproved of the sanctions and invited President Akane to discuss the measures.
The sanctions freeze Akane’s and Seye’s U.S. assets and bar them from U.S. entry.
The ICC said the sanctions undermine the rule of law and continue its work independently.

History

Historical Context

After the Senate passed the American Service-Members’ Protection Act in August 2002—approved 75-19 and signed by President George W. Bush to bar U.S. cooperation with the International Criminal Court—the United States has repeatedly pressured states to sign Article 98 immunity agreements. Building on that precedent, U.S. officials announced sanctions in August 2026 targeting ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, underscoring ongoing tensions between Washington and the Court.

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US Sanctions ICC

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on August 18, 2026 that the United States was sanctioning ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
The sanctions threaten victims’ ability to obtain justice and impose hardships on ICC staff and their families.
The International Criminal Court labeled the sanctions a flagrant attack on its independence.
Four U.S. rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, sued the Trump administration, citing constitutional violations.

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