ICC president criticizes US and Russia for threats to court's investigations

The president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Tomoko Akane, criticized the United States and Russia for interfering with its investigations. She described their actions as "appalling" and said threats against the court jeopardize its existence. Akane's comments came during the ICC's annual conference, where she referred to the two nations as permanent members of the UN Security Council without naming them. She highlighted recent threats of sanctions from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham against countries supporting the ICC. The ICC has faced increased pressure, including an arrest warrant issued by Russia for ICC prosecutor Karim Khan. This follows the ICC's warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a U.S. bill to sanction the court after it issued a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.