Story perspectives

US sanctions ICC President and senior trial lawyer

8/20/2026

Left

United States Sanctions ICC

The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The sanctions are portrayed as a flagrant attack on the ICC’s independence that endangers victims’ access to justice.
Human Rights Watch and three groups sued the Trump administration in New York, saying sanctions block victims.
ICC said the sanctions threaten the legal order and pledged to continue its independent mandate.

Right

U.S. Sanctions ICC

The United States sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026.
The sanctions are presented as part of a U.S. effort to dismantle a court labeled corrupt, politicized and a sovereignty threat.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said designations follow President Donald Trump’s February 2025 executive order.
The Treasury issued a license allowing wind-down of transactions with the two individuals until September 17.

Center

U.S. Sanctions ICC

The United States imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026.
The summary emphasizes a wave of legal challenges, noting ICC judges and four human-rights groups filing lawsuits contesting the sanctions’ legality.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said sanctions follow President Donald Trump’s executive order protecting Americans.
The ICC called the measures a flagrant attack on the rule of law, pledging independence.

History

Historical Context

Following the 1998 Rome Statute, the United States signed it in 2000 but withdrew in 2002, when Congress passed the American Service-Members’ Protection Act—introduced by Senator Jesse Helms and Rep. Tom DeLay and approved 75-19 in the Senate—authorizing the president to use “all means necessary” against the ICC. The 2026 Treasury sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane echo that stance.

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United States Sanctions ICC

The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The sanctions are portrayed as a flagrant attack on the ICC’s independence that endangers victims’ access to justice.
Human Rights Watch and three groups sued the Trump administration in New York, saying sanctions block victims.
ICC said the sanctions threaten the legal order and pledged to continue its independent mandate.

1 / 4