InternationalMonday, 21 September 2026·The Hindu - International
ICC sanctions explained: U.S. action against Tomoko Akane, Rome Statute and ICC jurisdiction
The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026, reviving debate on ICC jurisdiction and the Rome Statute.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On August 18, 2026, the Donald Trump administration announced sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, citing the ICC’s actions under Executive Order 14203 issued on February 6, 2025.
Key specifics
- The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
- The Rome Statute was adopted on July 1, 1998, and came into force on July 1, 2002.
- The statute has 137 signatories and 125 members, according to the report.
- India, China and Russia are not part of the ICC.
- The U.S. has now sanctioned 9 of the court’s 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors and a former chief prosecutor.
Exam lens
Question type: international law and institutions, Rome Statute dates, ICC headquarters, 137 signatories, 125 members, Executive Order 14203. TNPSC may ask which countries are outside ICC and what crimes the court handles.