The head of the International Criminal Court has urged members to stay unified in the face of pressure from the United States and Russia, saying "coercive measures" are clearly aimed at undermining the existence and reputation of the court.
ICC President Akane Tomoko made the remarks during an address Monday at an annual meeting in The Hague. She stressed: "The response of the Court has been absolutely unambiguous. Our independence and impartiality are our polar stars and remain unaffected."
The ICC's mandate is to try individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
Some countries have been attacking the court in recent years.
US President Donald Trump's administration sanctioned some ICC officials earlier this year, including prosecutors and judges. This was in reaction to the court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with the conflict in Gaza.
Russia placed Akane on a wanted list in 2023. It took the step after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges for the invasion of Ukraine.

Quiz 1:
Who urged members to stay unified in the face of pressure from the United States and Russia?
A. The head of a local court
B. Akane Tomoko, the ICC President
C. The president of Ukraine
D. The Israeli Prime Minister

Quiz 2:
Which country sanctioned some ICC officials earlier this year, including prosecutors and judges?
A. Ukraine
B. Russia
C. Israel
D. United States

Quiz 3:
What is the mandate of the International Criminal Court?
A. To try individuals charged with economic crimes
B. To try individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression
C. To try individuals charged with natural disasters
D. To try individuals charged with political crimes