Story perspectives

U.S. Sanctions ICC Officials, Freezes Their Assets

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States imposed sanctions on ICC president Tomoko Akane, senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye and nine judges, freezing their U.S. assets, which the International Criminal Court said attacks its independence.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the move “very unfortunate” and said Japan will keep communicating with the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ICC “corrupt and politicized” and said Washington will pressure members to withdraw.

1 of 1

Story summary

The United States imposed sanctions on ICC president Tomoko Akane, senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye and nine judges, freezing their U.S. assets, which the International Criminal Court said attacks its independence.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the move “very unfortunate” and said Japan will keep communicating with the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ICC “corrupt and politicized” and said Washington will pressure members to withdraw.