US sanctions on ICC further undermine independence of international justice: UN chief
NEW YORK: The UN has expressed serious concern over the US decision to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, warning that the measures could further undermine the independence of international justice.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is deeply concerned by the US designations, as well as the continuing sanctions imposed on other ICC personnel.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement: “While the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are separate institutions, with separate and distinct mandates, the UN considers the ICC a key pillar of international criminal justice, and the Secretary-General very much respects its work.”
The US announced the latest sanctions on Tuesday, targeting Akane, a Japanese judge who has served as ICC president since 2024, and Seye, a Senegalese senior trial lawyer.
