U.S. Sanctions Target ICC President and Senior Prosecutor

On August 19, 2026 the United States announced sanctions against Tomoko Akane, the Japanese president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Abdoulaye Seye, a senior trial lawyer from Senegal. The Treasury Department placed both individuals on the Specially Designated Nationals List, freezing any assets they hold in U.S. jurisdictions and prohibiting U.S. persons and entities from conducting transactions with them. The move followed a Tuesday announcement that also cited the ICC’s investigations into U.S. military actions in Afghanistan and an arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tokyo calls US sanctions on Japanese International Criminal Court chief 'very unfortunate' Nikkei Asian ReviewNewsday

Akane, a former prosecutor, began her three-year term as ICC president in March 2024, becoming the court’s first Japanese head. During her tenure she participated in the 2023 arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged deportations of Ukrainian children. The United States, under the Trump administration, has repeatedly described the ICC as “corrupt and fatally politicized,” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserting that the court exceeds its mandate and threatens U.S. sovereignty. The sanctions are part of a broader U.S. campaign that has already targeted nine of the ICC’s 18 judges, two deputy prosecutors, a former chief prosecutor, and additional staff.

Nikkei Asian ReviewNewsday

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the sanctions “very unfortunate” and said Japan will address the issue by maintaining communication with relevant nations, including the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura echoed the sentiment, stating that Japan has consistently supported the ICC’s efforts to prosecute serious international crimes and will continue to strengthen the rule of law through dialogue.

Tokyo calls US sanctions on Japanese International Criminal Court chief 'very unfortunate'

The ICC condemned the sanctions as a “flagrant attack” on its independence, pledging to continue its mandate without compromise. The Assembly of States Parties described the measures as an “escalation” that could undermine ongoing investigations. Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa director, Balkees Jarrah, labeled the sanctions an attempt to shield officials from accountability, and the organization, along with three other advocacy groups, filed a lawsuit in New York challenging the U.S. campaign. Recent announcements from Venezuela and Chad to withdraw from the court illustrate growing diplomatic strain, though formal exits require a year to take effect.

Newsday

• Individuals sanctioned: Tomoko Akane (ICC president) and Abdoulaye Seye (senior trial lawyer).

Tokyo calls US sanctions on Japanese International Criminal Court chief 'very unfortunate'

• Scope of U.S. sanctions: nine ICC judges and multiple senior officials have been targeted.

Newsday

• ICC leadership: Akane’s term began March 2024; she is the first Japanese president of the court.

Tokyo calls US sanctions on Japanese International Criminal Court chief 'very unfortunate'

• Related sanctions impact: blocked access to U.S. financial services and travel for sanctioned officials and their families.

Newsday