ICC head urges Japan to counter US campaign against court

The head of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, has urged Japan to actively counter U.S. efforts to persuade member states to leave the international body. Akane, speaking via video link, emphasized that Japan's support is pivotal for the ICC's survival, particularly as the U.S. administration escalates its campaign against the court.

The Trump administration recently sanctioned Akane and a senior ICC trial lawyer, signaling an intensified effort to pressure countries to withdraw. Washington has stated it will increase its efforts to persuade other nations, a call that at least five countries have already followed. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had initially called the U.S. move "very unfortunate," but faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance.

Akane highlighted Japan's long-standing commitment to the rule of law and expressed high expectations for its role. She specifically requested that Japan support neighboring ICC member states to ensure they do not succumb to U.S. pressure and withdraw. The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. The U.S. is not a member, but has been angered by the court's decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a past probe into U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Akane suggested that Japan, a member since 2007 and the court's largest financial backer, should leverage its close relationship with the United States to dissuade Washington from further escalatory measures. She noted that Japan's strong support at this juncture would significantly contribute to the ICC's future survival, marking the beginning of a real challenge.