Japan criticises US over 'unfortunate' sanctions on ICC

Tokyo expressed disapproval on Wednesday (Aug 19) regarding Washington's decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Japanese President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiated the sanctions on July 13, stating that no diplomatic option would be off-limits in the effort to dismantle the ICC's threat to Americans.

The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the sanctioned individuals, effectively isolating them from the US financial system. Japan, a strong advocate for the ICC, has consistently backed the court's efforts to prosecute severe crimes of concern to the international community. However, the latest US sanctions have put Washington at odds with Japan over the institution, which was established in 2002 to address war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

The sanctions target 13 individuals, including nine of the 18 judges, deputy prosecutors, a former prosecutor, and a trial attorney. The ICC characterized the US move as a "flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution," asserting that threats to judges undermine the international legal order and impact victims' access to justice.

Five of the court's 125 member states have announced plans to withdraw due to heightened US pressure.