International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has condemned US sanctions on the court as an attack against sovereign states, while several Washington allies have called to defend and protect the judicial body.
Key facts
- ICC President Tomoko Akane described US sanctions as 'an attack against sovereign states'.
- Washington said the sanctions were imposed to 'defend sovereignty'.
- European states, Canada, Japan and the UN have backed the ICC.
- US allies have called to 'defend' and 'protect' the court.
International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has responded forcefully to sanctions imposed by the United States on the court, describing the measures as ‘an attack against sovereign states’, according to Al Jazeera.
Washington imposed the sanctions on the judicial body in a move it framed as an effort to ‘defend sovereignty’, Al Jazeera reported. The ICC president’s response signals a sharp disagreement over the justification put forward by the United States.
In the wake of the decision, several US allies have rallied behind the court. According to Al Jazeera, European states, Canada, Japan and the United Nations have all backed the ICC against the US sanctions.
Those allies have called to ‘defend’ and ‘protect’ the ICC following Washington’s move to sanction the body, Al Jazeera reported, underscoring the breadth of international support the court has drawn in response.
The developments highlight a widening rift between the United States and a number of its traditional partners over the standing and independence of the International Criminal Court.
Why it matters
The dispute pits the United States against several of its closest allies and the United Nations over the independence of an international judicial body. How it unfolds could shape the ICC's ability to operate and the broader relationship between Washington and its partners.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the president of the ICC?
According to Al Jazeera, the president of the International Criminal Court is Tomoko Akane, who responded to the US sanctions.
Why did the US impose sanctions on the ICC?
Al Jazeera reported that the United States imposed the sanctions in a move it said was intended to 'defend sovereignty'.
Which countries have backed the ICC?
European states, Canada, Japan and the United Nations have backed the ICC against the US sanctions, according to Al Jazeera.