US Sanctions 2 More International Criminal Court Officials

The US government has taken further action against the International Criminal Court (ICC), designating two officials for sanctions. The move has been met with criticism from Human Rights Watch, which has long been a vocal supporter of the ICC.

The two officials sanctioned are Tomoko Akane, the president of the ICC, and Abdoulaye Seye, an ICC senior trial lawyer. This decision was made under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025.

The sanctions come as Human Rights Watch and other organizations continue to challenge the Trump administration's sanctions against ICC prosecutors and judges, a UN human rights expert, and three Palestinian human rights groups. A lawsuit was filed in US federal court on August 11, 2026, by Human Rights Watch, together with the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Open Society Institute.

The US government's decision to sanction these officials has been met with strong criticism from Human Rights Watch. Balkees Jarrah, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, stated that the US government's decision is "just the latest example of the Trump administration's utter contempt for international law and a naked attempt to shield American and Israeli officials implicated in serious crimes from justice."

The ICC plays a critical role in investigating and prosecuting serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court's work is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice to victims and their families.

The international community should strongly condemn the US government's misuse of sanctions and take action to ensure that the ICC can continue its critical work. This includes upholding the principles of international law and supporting the ICC in its efforts to investigate and prosecute serious crimes.

The US government's actions against the ICC are a clear attempt to undermine the court's authority and prevent it from holding American and Israeli officials accountable for their actions. This move is a threat to the rule of law and the principles of international justice.

The ICC's work is essential for promoting accountability and justice in the world's most serious crimes. The international community must stand together to support the ICC and uphold the principles of international law.

## The ICC's Role in Promoting Accountability

The ICC plays a critical role in promoting accountability and justice in the world's most serious crimes. The court's work is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice to victims and their families.

## The US Government's Actions Against the ICC

The US government's actions against the ICC are a clear attempt to undermine the court's authority and prevent it from holding American and Israeli officials accountable for their actions. This move is a threat to the rule of law and the principles of international justice.

## The International Community's Response

The international community must stand together to support the ICC and uphold the principles of international law. This includes strongly condemning the US government's misuse of sanctions and taking action to ensure that the ICC can continue its critical work.