International Criminal Court President, Tomoko Akane on Wednesday urged Japan to work with other nations to resist the United States’ measures against the court.
Akane noted that everyone looks to Japan as a leader because of its strong support for the ICC, its reputation as the largest contributor, and its cordial relations with States Parties.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, she acknowledged that “weaker countries” might give in to pressure from Washington and decide to withdraw from the ICC.
Akane urged Japan to reach out to those countries and encourage them to “stand together so that no one withdraws” from the international tribunal.
The jurist called the ICC a “permanent institution” that must not be allowed to collapse, rejecting claims that it is hostile towards any government or state.
Akane insisted that the Hague-based judicial body is simply a court entrusted with investigating and prosecuting individuals who have committed the gravest crimes.
The judge further confirmed that her credit cards had become unusable and vowed that “even if sanctions were imposed on the ICC itself, we would not give up.”
“The inconvenience and threats that these sanctions may cause me were something I anticipated,” she disclosed. “They will not change the way I approach my judicial duties.”
Last week, the U.S. designated Akane of Japan and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, five weeks after launching a global campaign to “dismantle” the ICC.
The State Department described the ICC as “a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court” that has allegedly abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.
The United Nations Human Rights Office and the European Union have, among others, criticised Washington’s action, urging member states to stand in defence of the institution.
Nine of the 18 ICC judges, the two deputy prosecutors, the former prosecutor, and one employee have been sanctioned under Executive Order 14203, signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025.
ICC President prods Japan to counter US pressure on countries