ICC hits back at US sanctions, warns of threat to international law

The International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned new US sanctions against its President, Tomoko Akane, and senior trial lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye, saying they undermine the rule of law and threaten the international legal order, according to a statement by the court obtained by TASS.

“When members of the judiciary face threats for applying the law, the international legal order itself is put at risk,” an ICC spokesperson said.

The court also said the new measures imposed by Washington would not affect its work. “As stated previously, the court will not back down and firmly supports its staff. The court will continue to fully carry out its mandate,” the spokesperson stressed.

Earlier, the US State Department released a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing sanctions against Akane and Seye. 

According to Rubio, the two ICC officials were sanctioned for their involvement in the court’s efforts to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute officials from countries that do not recognise its jurisdiction. Rubio also accused the ICC of abusing its authority and exceeding its mandate.

By Jeyhun Aghazada