ICC sanctions: President Tomoko Akane urges UN members to defend court independence

The International Criminal Court president accused the Trump administration of trying to block global justice. Judge Tomoko Akane said penalties against the tribunal aimed to weaken its work. Speaking to the United Nations on Monday, Akane said the effort would fail. Akane urged countries to defend the court through practical steps.

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Akane addressed the UN General Assembly remotely because of US sanctions. Akane asked all 193 UN member states to act. Akane said support should come from every nation, not only ICC members. Akane noted that 125 countries belong to the ICC. Akane said states should respond both alone and together.

ICC sanctions and the Trump administration campaign

President Donald Trumps administration first placed sanctions on individual ICC officials. The administration then targeted the entire court last month. Akane said the moves were part of a campaign to dismantle the tribunal. Akane linked the action to ICC investigations involving the United States and allies. Israel was cited among those allies.

Akane said the US measures threatened judges and prosecutors directly. Akane also said the steps targeted the ICC as an institution. Akane described the measures as extraordinary and unprecedented. Akane said those pressures led to the remote briefing. Akane framed the issue as an attack on international justice processes.

ICC sanctions timing and Navi Pillay Nobel Peace Prize

Akane highlighted the date of Oct. 9 for new sanctions. Akane said the sanctions were sweeping. Akane noted the same day brought news from the Nobel Peace Prize committee. South African jurist Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize that day. Pillay is a former ICC judge, honoured for promoting peace and international law.

Akane drew a sharp contrast between the two events. Akane said global recognition showed the value of international justice. Akane said US action sought to subdue the institution that represents it. Akane described the difference as stark. Akane positioned the court as central to enforcing international law for serious crimes.

ICC sanctions, mandate and US response

The ICC began operating in 2002. The court was created to prosecute war crimes and other grave offences. It also handles crimes against humanity and genocide. The ICC acts when national systems cannot or will not prosecute. The United States is not a party to the court.

The State Department had no immediate comment on Akanes remarks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the latest sanctions earlier. Rubio said, "the US will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling its ability to operate against us.\"

Akane rejected the pressure and defended the courts mission. Akane said, \"Let me be clear: The court will continue to fully discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality, acting only on the basis of the law and the evidence, for the sake of the countless victims of grave crimes.\"

Supporters also spoke at the UN General Assembly after Akane. The European Union backed the ICC and its work. Other countries also voiced support at the podium. They presented the court as a tool for accountability. The statements focused on justice for the worst crimes affecting humanity.

With inputs from PTI