UN Voices Concern as US Sanctions ICC President and Senior Prosecutor

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the latest United States sanctions targeting senior officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The measures, announced by the US State Department, freeze assets held by ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye within US jurisdictions or the US financial system.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said António Guterres is concerned about the designations, which also extend to other ICC employees. While noting that the UN and the ICC are separate institutions with distinct mandates, Dujarric reiterated that the UN views the court as a key pillar of international criminal justice and respects its work.

The ICC has condemned the sanctions as a "flagrant attack" on its independence, vowing to continue its pursuit of justice for atrocities worldwide. The latest action brings the total number of sanctioned ICC personnel to nine judges, both deputy prosecutors, the former chief prosecutor, and another prosecution office staff member.

The US accuses the court of overstepping its mandate by investigating officials from non-member states, including Israel and the United States. The move follows a recent announcement of a "sweeping campaign" against the ICC, which includes pressuring member states to withdraw and restricting staff travel.