US sanctions ICC leadership, widening clash over international justice

The United States, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye as part of a broad campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court, accusing the court of prosecuting officials without states’ consent and undermining sovereignty. The ICC criticized the moves as undermining the rule of law, while rights groups warned the sanctions could hamper efforts to hold war criminals to account.