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 is “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. “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. Akane praised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for saying on Tuesday that the sanctions 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. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]