Japan Pledges Support for ICC After U.S. Sanctions
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to defend the International Criminal Court after the United States sanctioned its president, Tomoko Akane, and other officials.
The Government of Japan pledged to defend the International Criminal Court (ICC) and provide support to its president, Tomoko Akane, after the United States imposed sanctions on her and other court officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration characterized the Hague-based court as a corrupt and fatally politicized institution that has maliciously abused its authority to threaten American sovereignty. The sanctions, authorized under Executive Order 14203, target nine judges and several prosecution staff, including senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, in retaliation for investigations into U.S. military personnel and Israeli officials.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially described the measures as very unfortunate and incompatible with Japan's position. Following pressure from domestic lawmakers and international rights organizations who labeled the response weak, Takaichi hardened her stance, stating that Japan must protect the ICC as its largest financial contributor. Tokyo has since dispatched an official to The Hague to coordinate support for Akane.
President Tomoko Akane reported that the sanctions have blocked her access to credit cards and restricted her travel, but she vowed that these measures would not change her approach to judicial duties. Akane has urged Japan to lead a global effort to prevent smaller member states from succumbing to U.S. pressure to withdraw from the tribunal, describing the current situation as a crisis for the rule of law.
