{
  "id": 6083036,
  "title": "Sanctioned ICC head Akane calls court the last bastion of rule of law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/sanctioned-icc-head-akane-calls-court-the-last-bastion-of-rule-of-law",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T01:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/07/japan/akane-icc-last-bastion-rule-law/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, currently under U.S. sanctions, recently condemned the organization she leads as the last bastion of the rule of law in the world. During an event in Tokyo organized by a non-governmental organization, Akane emphasized the importance of global support for the ICC, acknowledging assistance received from Japan, such as a signature campaign. She firmly rejected the U.S. sanctions imposed on her, labeling them as an attempt to suppress justice through external force. Despite facing financial difficulties due to the sanctions, including issues with money transfers and rejected business transactions, Akane expressed her unwavering commitment to her role. She described feeling treated like a criminal, with her pride, dignity, and economic freedom significantly impacted. Despite the dangers faced by her colleagues, Akane remains resolute as the ICC continues its work to prosecute individuals for war crimes and other international law violations.",
  "summary": "The U.S. government imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and an ICC senior trial lawyer last month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}