ICC chief Akane vows to continue job no matter what amid U.S. sanctions

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, made a statement on Sunday that she will continue her duties, regardless of the sanctions imposed by the U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump. Akane made these remarks during an online event in Tokyo, where she affirmed her steadfast commitment, emphasizing that she would not waver in her conviction.

She is among the ICC judges who have been targeted by the U.S. sanctions, which freeze their assets in the United States. Washington's accusation against the ICC is that it encroaches on state sovereignty.

Akane, who is the first Japanese national to lead the ICC, described the punitive measures as a threat not only to the judges but also to the principle of neutrality. The Trump administration has vehemently objected to ICC investigations into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. military personnel. Reflecting on the situation, Akane urged Japan to play a proactive role in international efforts to cooperate with various countries and prosecute serious crimes.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to this by stating that the sanctions are incompatible with Japan's commitment to the rule of law.