Japan Rejects US Sanctions Against ICC President

(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says US sanctions imposed on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane conflict with Tokyo’s established position toward the international tribunal.

Takaichi says Japan is treating the US measures against Akane with considerable seriousness, according to reports.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also criticizes Washington’s decision, saying it does not align with Japan’s support for the ICC as an institution that helps uphold international law and accountability.

“The US measure is incompatible with Japan's position,” Motegi told reporters, citing Tokyo’s support for the ICC’s role in prosecuting the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

The United States imposes sanctions on Akane, the first Japanese national to serve as ICC president, as well as court prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. Washington accuses the tribunal of interfering with the sovereignty of individual states.

Seye has been involved in efforts to obtain an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes connected to the Gaza conflict.

Motegi says Japan continues to recognize the ICC’s importance in addressing grave crimes that concern the international community. He also notes that Washington has adopted an “extremely tough” position toward the court and warns that additional measures may be introduced.

Tokyo’s response highlights a growing difference between Japan’s support for the ICC and Washington’s increasingly confrontational approach toward the institution.

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