Secretary Rubio stated, “We expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court.”
The U.S. Department of State announced that it has sanctioned two members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.
“These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated. “The ICC has repeatedly attempted to assert authority over nationals of the United States and other countries that have not consented to its jurisdiction or ratified the Rome Statute. This sets a dangerous precedent for all nations.”
The secretary reiterated U.S. policy, stating, “The [ICC] is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate. We will not tolerate its assault on state sovereignty.”
The United States has criticized the ICC after it issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant. These sanctions are part of the U.S. effort, announced by Secretary Rubio last month, to dismantle the “politicized and unaccountable court” over threats it poses to the nation’s sovereignty.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio to be prudent as he continues the effort to prevent the ICC from overruling nations’ sovereignty.
- For officials in the State Department as they navigate relationships and interactions with other nations and international organizations.
Sources: UPI News, Department of State
