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International Criminal Court condemns latest US sanctions
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned recent U.S. sanctions against its president and senior staff as a "flagrant attack" on its independence, pledging to continue pursuing justice for global atrocities.
- The U.S. State Department sanctioned ICC president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, freezing their U.S. assets and restricting access to the U.S. financial system, citing alleged overreach in investigations involving non-member countries like the U.S. and Israel.
- Japan expressed regret over the sanctions, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi calling the move "very unfortunate," while opposition leaders urged stronger support for the ICC and diplomatic efforts to reverse the sanctions.
- Several countries, including Venezuela and Chad, have announced intentions to withdraw from the ICC amid U.S. pressure, and advocacy groups have filed lawsuits challenging the U.S. campaign against the court.
- European nations such as the Netherlands and Germany reaffirmed their support for the ICC, emphasizing its role in holding perpetrators of grave crimes accountable despite U.S. opposition.
