ICC President Urges Japan to Help Defuse Sanctions Standoff With US

The president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has appealed to Japan to intervene with Washington as she faces US sanctions, insisting the measures are unwarranted and will not deter the court's mission.

Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, was among the latest ICC officials penalised by the United States last week. The sanctions freeze any assets she holds in US jurisdictions, bar her and her family from entering the country, and cut off access to basic financial services.

Speaking via video link from The Hague on Wednesday, Akane said she had anticipated the action but maintained there was no justification for it. "I insist that there is no reason I have to be sanctioned," she told reporters, adding that the measures have not intimidated her or affected her judicial duties. "ICC will never be defeated. Justice will and should prevail."

Akane acknowledged the personal toll, including suspended credit cards, but said she remains determined to protect the court and its staff. She urged Japan, a key US ally that champions the rule of law, to convince Washington not to escalate further. She also called on other ICC member states to resist American pressure and remain committed to the court.

"ICC is a last hope for the victims of serious international crimes," she said. "I would like Japan to do everything it can to defend ICC and the rule of law in the global society."

The United States accuses the ICC of overstepping its mandate and has sanctioned roughly a dozen court officials in response to investigations involving Israeli officials in Gaza and US military personnel in Afghanistan. The latest round affects nine of the court's 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors, the former chief prosecutor, and one other staff member.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday that the sanctions against Akane are "not compatible" with Japan's position and that Tokyo takes the matter seriously. "I share the sense of crisis and concern that President Akane has faced, and we will continue to provide necessary support," she said, rejecting criticism that she has avoided confrontation with US President Donald Trump.

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers adopted a statement on Monday denouncing the sanctions and demanding their retraction. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said an official has been dispatched to The Hague to discuss support for Akane, noting that Washington has indicated the possibility of additional measures.

Japan joined the ICC in 2007 under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.