ICC says US sanctions 'flagrant attack' on court independence

To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement. One of your browser extensions seems to be blocking the video player from loading. To watch this content, you may need to disable it on this site. Cover image: © France 24 04:00 Issued on: 20/08/2026 - 10:55 The International Criminal Court on Wednesday lashed out at the United States after Washington slapped sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, calling it a "flagrant attack" on the court's independence. The US sanctioned Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal on Tuesday, as part of Washington's campaign against what it calls a "corrupt and fatally politicised" body. The EU's top officials immediately threw their support behind Akane, saying they "stand firmly" with the ICC president and her top officials. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Kethevane Gorjestani tells us more.