Rubio announces sanctions on ICC officials amid campaign to dismantle the court

US Slaps Sanctions on Two ICC Leaders as Dismantling Push Intensifies

Qwenews.com – Secretary of State Marco Rubio named two senior International Criminal Court figures for new sanctions on Tuesday, marking another escalation in Washington’s sustained effort to tear apart the Hague-based tribunal. The targets are ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, and Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese senior trial lawyer.

“These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.”

The Broader Campaign

The move arrives amid what the State Department has described as a “whole-of-government campaign” aimed at dismantling the court entirely — a strategy Rubio outlined last month. Washington has pressed allied nations to cut funding and withdraw participation, warning that those who refuse will face “increased scrutiny.”

“The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end.”

Rubio added that the administration is prepared to take further steps “to systematically dismantle the ICC until it is incapable of threatening American sovereignty.” A senior US official elaborated last month, noting that nations which cooperate with American law enforcement, host US military installations, or rely on the broader US security umbrella are expected to reject what Washington calls the court’s “purported authority” over American officials and servicemembers.

“We will watch with interest which nations join ranks with us against this threat to Americans who are willing to risk their lives to protect others.”

ICC Pushes Back

The court responded swiftly, condemning the sanctions as measures that “undermine the rule of law.” In a statement, the ICC affirmed its commitment to its staff and to victims of atrocities worldwide.

“The Court remains undeterred and stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities. The Court will continue to fully discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes.”

Historical Context

Donald Trump’s antagonism toward the ICC dates to his first term, when his administration sanctioned court officials over their bid to examine alleged war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan. The court has since issued multiple arrest warrants against American and Israeli figures — neither country is a party to the Rome Statute. In November 2024, judges issued warrants naming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among others, finding “reasonable grounds” to believe he bears criminal responsibility for war crimes during Israeli military operations in Gaza, including what the court characterized as “starvation as a method of warfare” and “the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.”

Nations Begin to Withdraw

The pressure campaign has already produced tangible results. In late July, the US-backed interim government in Venezuela announced its departure from the ICC. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez directed the foreign minister to notify the United Nations of the country’s “firm and irrevocable decision” to leave. The minister, writing on X, accused the court of a “demonstrated geographical bias” for concentrating its attention on African and Latin American states.

The State Department welcomed the Venezuelan move. In a media note issued at the time, the department wrote:

“The so-called court has been ‘investigating’ Nicolas Maduro since 2018 with no result. The ICC has instead wasted its resources on investigating and charging persons from countries that have competent, independent judicial systems and which never submitted to the jurisdiction of the court.”

Chad followed suit in late July, also announcing its withdrawal shortly after the US campaign launched. The ICC’s Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties registered both departures “with concern,” warning that the exits “risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and weakening global efforts to end impunity.”

Rubio expressed confidence that further nations will follow suit, saying he expects “more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court.”

The story has been updated with additional reporting.