Among them ICSPR 45 Human Rights Networks and Organizations from 30 Countries Condemn New U.S. Sanctions Against International Criminal Court Officials
Date: August 27, 2026
Press Release
45 Human Rights Networks and Organizations from 30 Countries Condemn New U.S. Sanctions Against ICC Officials
The undersigned human rights organizations condemn the latest round of sanctions imposed by the U.S. administration against International Criminal Court (ICC) President Judge Tomoko Akane and Chief Counsel in the Office of the Prosecutor, Attorney Abdullah Al-Senussi.
These sanctions against the International Criminal Court and its officials come in response to their professional conduct and performance of their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute. These measures aim to undermine the work of the International Criminal Court and, moreover, to protect Israeli officials, foremost among them Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who are under investigation by the Court in connection with crimes committed against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, from being brought before the Court.
These unlawful U.S. sanctions constitute an attempt by the U.S. administration to undermine the independence of international justice. Such measures reinforce a policy of impunity, threaten the rule of law, and weaken the ability of international judicial institutions to ensure that victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes have access to justice.
Finally, the undersigned organizations express their solidarity with the International Criminal Court and its officials and reaffirm their support for maintaining the Court’s independence and integrity. They also call on States Parties to the Rome Statute to take concrete and effective measures to protect the Court and safeguard its independence, free from intimidation through sanctions or threats thereof.
