On 9 September 2025, Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court ("ICC"), and Judge Nicolas Guillou, met with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, in Paris (France).
President Akane expressed the ICC's appreciation for France's continued and unwavering support for the Court and its staff. During the visit, President Akane and Judge Guillou underlined that the US sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions and that it is for States Parties to live up to their commitment and protect the Court. They further discussed how to address the practical implications posed by the US sanctions.
Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed France's commitment to protect the Court and its personnel as well as to ensure that the Court is in a position to continue fulfilling its mission independently and impartially, in order to provide justice for the victims of the most serious crimes.
