ICC chief condemns US sanctions, presses Netanyahu warrants

NEW YORK (MNTV) – International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane has condemned U.S. sanctions against the court, warning that economic and political pressure on its judges and prosecutors threatens judicial independence and undermines accountability for serious crimes.

Presenting the court’s annual report to the UN General Assembly on Monday, Akane described the sanctions as “an attempt to obstruct the course of justice and to prevent the court from doing what it was created to do.” 

She noted that the latest measures were imposed on Oct. 9 — the same day the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, a former ICC judge. 

“The contrast could not be starker,” she said. The sanctions have targeted 13 independent judges and prosecutors, including Akane herself.

She also raised the withdrawal of several states from the court — six notified it of their intent to leave during the reporting period — stressing that withdrawal does not absolve states of obligations already incurred or halt ongoing proceedings.

On Palestine, Akane confirmed that arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remained outstanding, and urged member states to assist in their arrest and surrender. 

“Arrest warrants cannot be executed without the cooperation of states,” she said, underscoring the gap between states’ legal commitments and their willingness to enforce them.

“Rome was not built in a day, and neither was the Rome Statute,” she concluded. “Every day, we must ensure that this delicate fabric withstands the forces trying to tear it apart … The time to act is now.”