Germany and Spain have condemned the latest US sanctions against International Criminal Court officials, reaffirming their support for the institution and its independence.
The deputy spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry, Martin Giese, stated that Berlin stands by the ICC and its president, Tomoko Akane. According to him, the court has an important role in investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes against humanity.
"For Germany, it is of central importance to protect and preserve the International Criminal Court as an independent institution," Giese said, acknowledging that the court, like any other institution, may face criticism, but this should not call into question its existence or mandate.
The US sanctions target the ICC's president, Tomoko Akane, and Abdoulaye Seyen, a senior lawyer at the Office of the Prosecutor. The Hague-based court has called the measures a "flagrant attack" on its independence.
Spain has also reacted against Washington's decision, calling the sanctions an attack on the independence, integrity and impartiality of the court. Madrid has stated that it will continue to support the ICC and fulfill its obligations under the Rome Statute.
The clash between Washington and the ICC has escalated since the issuance of arrest warrants in 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in connection with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
