Russia requests ICC leaders' extradition, draws Japan protest

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Russian prosecutors have recently requested the extradition of several senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, sparking a protest from Japan. The Prosecutor General's Office of Russia sent requests to the Netherlands and other nations on Thursday for the extradition of nine high-ranking ICC figures convicted in absentia by a Russian court in December. Among those named in the requests is Japanese national, Tomoko Akane, who currently serves as the President of the ICC.

In 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and others, accusing him of unlawfully deporting and transferring Ukrainian children to Russia during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At a press conference in Tokyo, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki condemned the request as "unjustified and unacceptable," stating that Japan intends to respond appropriately.

This response may include further diplomatic representations to Russia and ongoing communication with the ICC and other state parties.

The extradition request comes amid increased scrutiny on the ICC by Japan's ally, the United States. Under President Donald Trump's administration, the U.S. sanctioned senior ICC leadership, including Akane, in August. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has confirmed a "frank exchange of views" with Trump on the ICC during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in September.