On 28 March 2025, the International Criminal Court and the Government of the Republic of Latvia signed an Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences.
Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the ICC, and H.E. Ms Solvita Āboltiņa, Ambassador of Latvia to the Netherlands, formalized the agreement during a ceremony at the ICC headquarters in The Hague. Under this agreement, individuals convicted by the ICC may serve their sentences in Latvia if designated by the Court and accepted by the Latvian Government.
Emphasizing the vital role of sentence enforcement in a complete and effective criminal justice system, ICC President Akane expressed gratitude to Latvia, stating: “The Court sincerely thanks Latvia for concluding this enforcement agreement. This step underscores Latvia’s strong commitment to international criminal justice and strengthens the Court’s ability to uphold its mandate.” She also encouraged other States Parties to follow Latvia’s example by signing similar agreements.
Ambassador Āboltiņa highlighted Latvia’s dedication to the Rome Statute, remarking: “This agreement reinforces Latvia’s role as a committed State Party that not only advocates for justice but actively strengthens legal mechanisms to support it. Our history has shown the importance of a strong legal framework in holding perpetrators accountable. We remain steadfast in promoting international peace and security, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over force.”
The Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty, stipulates that sentences imposed by the Court “shall be served in a State designated by the Court from a list of States willing to accept sentenced persons.”
Similar enforcement agreements exist between the ICC and Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Mali, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
