International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane addressed the ongoing sanctions imposed by the United States during a news conference on Wednesday. She stated that there is no justification for her facing these sanctions and requested the Japanese government to collaborate with Washington to prevent further escalation of tensions.

Akane, who holds Japanese nationality, described the sanctions as a significant personal inconvenience but maintained that they would not hinder her ability to carry out her judicial responsibilities. The United States has enacted sanctions against numerous ICC personnel, reportedly in retaliation for investigations involving Israeli officials in Gaza and US military actions in Afghanistan, accusing the court of overstepping its authority.

In the past week, Akane became the latest ICC official to be targeted by such measures. These sanctions have led to asset freezes within US jurisdictions, restricted travel for court officials and their families to the United States, and limited access to essential financial services.

Calls for International Support

During her speech via video link from The Hague, Akane expressed her determination, insisting that the sanctions would not intimidate her or impede her judicial work. She affirmed, “ICC will never be defeated. Justice will and should prevail.” Despite the “unreasonable inconvenience and threat” she personally experienced, including credit card suspensions, Akane pledged to protect the ICC and its personnel.

She urged the Japanese government—an ally of the United States that prioritises the rule of law in its international dealings—to persuade Washington against further escalation of the situation. Furthermore, Akane called on Japan to engage with other ICC members to ensure they resist US pressure to withdraw support from the court.

Akane emphasised the importance of the ICC, stating, “ICC is a last hope for the victims of serious international crimes.” She encouraged Japan to undertake all necessary actions to defend the ICC and uphold the rule of law on a global scale.

Japan’s Political Reaction

According to reports, the Trump administration has sanctioned nine of the ICC’s eighteen judges, including both deputy prosecutors, its former chief prosecutor, and one other prosecution office staff member. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been confronted with the challenge of reconciling Japan’s commitment to the rule of law with its alliance with the US government.

On Tuesday, Takaichi addressed the media, stating that the US sanctions on Akane do not align with Japan’s diplomatic position and that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. She expressed shared concern over the issues faced by President Akane and reiterated Japan’s commitment to offer necessary support.

In a show of unity, a cross-party group comprising ruling and opposition lawmakers issued a statement condemning the Trump administration’s actions against Akane. They called for the withdrawal of the sanctions and urged Takaichi’s administration to adopt firmer stances. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi added that his ministry dispatched an official to The Hague for discussions on how best to support Akane, commenting on the severity of the US stance towards the ICC and the potential for further sanctions.

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