Japan Expresses Concern Over U.S. Sanctions on ICC Chief Tomoko Akane

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Tuesday that U.S. sanctions imposed on Tomoko Akane, the Japanese judge heading the International Criminal Court (ICC), are incompatible with Japan's position. Takaichi noted that Japan takes the sanctions very seriously and has consistently supported the ICC. The measures were announced by the U.S. administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the ICC as a corrupt and politically charged body that has targeted officials of governments that do not recognize its jurisdiction.

In response, the ICC issued a statement asserting that the international legal order is endangered when judicial officials are threatened for applying the law. Director Akane also released a statement emphasizing that these sanctions must not mark the beginning of the end for the international rule of law, noting that support from Japan is a key factor. Akane is scheduled to hold her first online press conference since the sanctions designation on August 26.

Public reaction in Japan includes a group of Akane's former law students, known as the Japan International Rule of Law network, who have called for support for the ICC to protect the value of judicial proceedings. While center leaning coverage focuses on the diplomatic tension and the Prime Minister's official stance, center left leaning coverage emphasizes the personal support for Akane and the broader threat to the rule of law.