Sanctioned international court president says she asked Japan to help de-escalate tensions with US

On August 26, 2026, the president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, expressed her stance against U.S. sanctions imposed on her during a news conference held via video from The Hague. Akane, a Japanese national, emphasized that she has no reason to face sanctions and affirmed her commitment to continue her judicial work despite the "unreasonable inconvenience and threat" posed to her personally.

The sanctions against Akane, along with other ICC officials, have been imposed by the U.S. government, which accuses the court of overstepping its mandate. Washington has targeted approximately a dozen ICC staff members in retaliation for investigations into Israeli officials in Gaza and U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. These sanctions include the freezing of assets held in U.S. jurisdictions, preventing officials and their families from entering the United States, and blocking access to basic financial services.

Despite the sanctions, Akane remains resolute in her determination to protect the ICC, its judges, and staff, and to ensure the continuation of ICC operations. She urged Japan, a U.S. ally with a strong commitment to the rule of law, to work with Washington to prevent further escalation of the situation. Akane called upon Japan to engage with other ICC members, urging them not to succumb to U.S. pressure and to resist withdrawal from the court.