ICC Chief Says She Has No Reason to Be under U.S. Sanctions

Tokyo, Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)–International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan said Wednesday that there was “no reason” for her to be placed under U.S. sanctions. “I can say with certainty that there is no reason for me to be sanctioned,” Akane said during an online press conference hosted by the Japan National Press Club, in response to the U.S. sanctions announced against her on Aug. 18. “While I understand to a certain extent that the sanctions will put me at a disadvantage, I’ll fight back as much as I can,” she said. Akane described the sanctions against The Hague-based court as a “rule of law crisis.” “We must never allow the ICC to collapse, and we’ll resist with all our might,” she said. “I won’t be crushed by threats.” Akane praised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for saying on Tuesday that the U.S. measures run counter to Tokyo’s position. The ICC president also urged the Japanese government to make maximum efforts to protect the ICC and the rule of law. “I’m confident that Japan, as an ally of the United States, will express its view on the importance and legitimacy of the ICC and continue meaningful dialogue to prevent the United States from escalating its actions,” she said. Those subject to the sanctions will have their assets in the United States frozen and be banned from traveling to the United States. Akane revealed that she has already experienced issues with financial transactions and other matters. The ICC is a permanent court that prosecutes individuals for serious crimes under international law, including war crimes and genocide. It has 125 member states, including Japan. While not a member of the ICC, the United States has claimed that the ICC has threatened its sovereignty, over the court’s war crimes investigations involving U.S. troops. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has urged ICC member countries, including Japan, which is the largest financial contributor, to withdraw from the ICC, with some member countries voicing their intention to pull out. The United States has imposed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors, including Akane. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]