The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday rejected sanctions imposed by the United States, vowing to continue its operations despite the measures, which Washington said were aimed at preventing the prosecution of American citizens.
The ICC President, Tomoko Akane, made the position known in a video statement on Friday, October 9, 2026, hours after the US announced the sanctions, insisting that the court would not be intimidated or deterred from carrying out its mandate.
Akane said the sanctions were intended to disrupt the court’s operations and intimidate its staff and those cooperating with the institution.
“The court, for its part, will not be deterred,” she said.
“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.”
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said President Donald Trump would not allow the ICC to prosecute American citizens.
“Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC,” Rubio said.
He urged US allies, including countries that are members of the ICC, to take steps to rein in the court.
Rubio said the sanctions were structured to allow negotiations and provide a possible resolution to Washington’s concerns.
The sanctions, announced on Friday, could restrict American companies from doing business with the targeted entities.
The measures could also affect banking services, insurance coverage and software support, potentially disrupting the court’s operations.
Akane called on the ICC’s 125 member states to take concrete steps to ensure that the court had the resources needed to carry out its responsibilities.
She said the dispute went beyond the institution, warning that the sanctions raised broader concerns about the international rule of law.
“This is not just about defending a single institution, but about safeguarding the international order grounded upon the rule of law,” she said.
Akane added that those serving the cause of justice should not be punished for their work.
“History will judge this moment,” she said, adding that future generations and victims of mass atrocities would assess how the international community responded to the situation.
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