ICC President Denounces US Sanctions on Court
Tomoko Akane spoke against Washington's sanctions on 13 judges and prosecutors while presenting the court's annual report.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in International Relations
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International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane denounced US sanctions imposed on 13 independent judges and prosecutors of the court, including herself. She addressed the UN General Assembly virtually while presenting the court's annual report.
Why it matters
The sanctions target the institution's judicial officers directly, raising questions about the court's ability to operate independently. Six states have notified the court of their withdrawal during the reporting period, and another has taken steps to follow.
The US sanctioned 13 independent judges and prosecutors on October 9, and six states notified the court of their withdrawal during the reporting period. The source does not detail the legal grounds cited for the sanctions.
The players
Tomoko Akane
Tomoko Akane is the President of the International Criminal Court, leading the institution responsible for prosecuting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Navi Pillay
Navi Pillay is a former judge of the International Criminal Court and a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, recognized internationally for her work on human rights law.
The details
Akane addressed the UN General Assembly virtually when presenting the court's annual report and used the platform to criticize the sanctions. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to former ICC judge Navi Pillay on the same day the sanctions were imposed.
Timeline
October 9: US sanctions imposed on ICC judges and prosecutors; Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Navi Pillay.
December 15, 2025: Appeals Chamber confirmed a Pre-Trial Chamber decision on Article 18 notification requirements under the Rome Statute.
November 2, 2026: Akane denounced the sanctions while presenting the annual report to the UN General Assembly.
Roadmap
The dispute over US sanctions and member-state withdrawals puts pressure on the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court's jurisdiction and judicial independence. The Appeals Chamber's December 2025 ruling on Article 18 notification requirements shows the treaty's procedural provisions remain under active legal interpretation.
Sanctions on court officials can restrict their ability to travel, hold financial assets, and conduct business with US persons. Member-state withdrawals alter which governments are bound by the court's arrest warrants and jurisdiction.
The takeaway
Sanctions targeting judicial officers and withdrawals by member states are two distinct pressures on the court's independence, and their combined effect will shape whether the Rome Statute's enforcement mechanisms can function as designed.
Further reading
For broader context on the court's standing among governments, see International Relations.
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