International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has asked Japan to resist what she described as a U.S.-led effort to persuade member countries to withdraw from the court.
The appeal followed American sanctions against Akane and a senior ICC lawyer. Washington imposed the measures in response to court investigations involving Israeli officials and U.S. military personnel.
The United States is not an ICC member and has repeatedly rejected the court’s jurisdiction over American nationals. At least five countries have reportedly withdrawn amid the broader dispute.
Japan’s position carries particular significance because it is the ICC’s largest financial contributor. Support from Tokyo could therefore influence both the court’s finances and its diplomatic standing.
The confrontation has raised concerns about the ICC’s long-term ability to conduct investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity without political or financial interference.
