Story perspectives

U.S. Sanctions ICC Leaders Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye

8/22/2026

Left

US Sanctions ICC

The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026.
Human Rights Watch and three NGOs sued in New York, claiming the sanctions block war-crime victims from obtaining justice.
The ICC called the measures a “flagrant attack” on its independence and the rule of law.
The EU policy chief said the bloc may invoke its 1996 blocking statute to protect firms.

Right

US Sanctions ICC

On August 18, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
U.S. officials framed the sanctions as a defense of national sovereignty against a corrupt, politicized ICC.
Marco Rubio said Akane and Seye sought to investigate, arrest or prosecute officials without consent.
President Donald Trump’s February 2025 executive order authorizes the asset freeze on Akane and Seye.

Center

US Targets ICC

U.S. sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026, blocking entry and freezing U.S. assets.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa said the court must remain independent and resist external pressure.
The United States said sanctions target officials pursuing ICC prosecutions of non-consenting governments.
The International Criminal Court warned the measures undermine the rule of law and its independence.

History

Historical Context

After Senator Jesse Helms and Rep. Tom DeLay secured the American Service-Members’ Protection Act, which President George W. Bush signed on August 2 2002 and passed the Senate 75-19, the United States barred cooperation with the International Criminal Court. On August 18 2026, Washington sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, reaffirming that long-standing opposition.

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US Sanctions ICC

The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026.
Human Rights Watch and three NGOs sued in New York, claiming the sanctions block war-crime victims from obtaining justice.
The ICC called the measures a “flagrant attack” on its independence and the rule of law.
The EU policy chief said the bloc may invoke its 1996 blocking statute to protect firms.

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