ICC president warns of threats to court's existence from sanctions and arrest warrants

The president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warned that the court's existence is threatened by potential U.S. sanctions and Russian arrest warrants for its staff. This statement was made during a conference with the court's 124 member countries. ICC President Tomoko Akane highlighted attacks on the court's legitimacy and its ability to administer justice. She noted that more warrants have been issued against court employees, increasing pressure on the institution. The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute serious crimes, faces unprecedented challenges. Its budget for 2024 is approximately 187 million euros ($197 million).