Japan angry after Russia seeks extradition of ICC chief targeted by US
A senior Japanese government spokesperson said it was regrettable that the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office had requested that Dutch authorities extradite International Criminal Court president Tomoko Akane and eight other officials. “Time and again we have conveyed to the Russian side that measures targeting individuals connected to the ICC are unfair and unacceptable. We find it regrettable…
Japan expressed regret over Russia's request to extradite the head of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and eight other officials, according to a senior Japanese government spokesperson. Deputy Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki stated that Japan has consistently conveyed to Russia that measures targeting individuals linked to the ICC are unfair and unacceptable.
The ICC president targeted, Tomoko Akane, along with other officials, is wanted by Russia over the court's 2023 arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on war crimes allegations in Ukraine. Akane was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison terms by a Moscow court in 2025. The latest extradition request comes amid increased pressure on the ICC from countries like Russia and the United States, leading to questions about Japan's support for the court as its closest ally seeks to dismantle the institution.
Additionally, ICC chief Akane has faced sanctions from the US due to accusations of unfairly targeting the US and Israel in its investigation of the Gaza conflict. This marked a rare point of disagreement between Japan and the US, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially facing criticism for not strongly condemning the action.
However, Takaichi later addressed the issue in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in September, reaffirming Japan's commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting the ICC.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
