THE HAGUE — The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane last week, freezing her assets and restricting her travel. The move has triggered diplomatic friction with Japan, prompting Akane to call on Tokyo to defend the court and resist American pressure.

"I insist that there is no reason I have to be sanctioned," Akane said at a news conference. "ICC will never be defeated. Justice will and should prevail."

Akane directed her appeal to her home country, stating, "I would like Japan to do everything it can to defend ICC and the rule of law in the global society." Akane called on Japan to approach other ICC member countries to ensure they do not withdraw from the court under U.S. pressure. Akane urged Japan to use its diplomatic ties to convince the United States not to escalate tensions further.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Tuesday that the U.S. sanctions against Akane were "not compatible" with Japan's position. "I share the sense of crisis and concern that President Akane has faced, and we will continue to provide necessary support," Takaichi said. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Tokyo 'pressed the United States at various levels until the last moment' not to designate Akane for sanctions.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated on Tuesday that his ministry dispatched an official to The Hague to meet with Akane. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi described the U.S. position against the International Criminal Court as "extremely severe." A cross-party group of Japanese ruling and opposition lawmakers adopted a statement on Monday denouncing the Trump administration's sanctioning of the ICC chief. The Japanese lawmakers' statement demanded the retraction of the sanctions and urged the government to take tougher measures.

Senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal was sanctioned by the U.S. administration last week alongside ICC President Tomoko Akane. The Trump administration has sanctioned both of the International Criminal Court's deputy prosecutors. The Trump administration has sanctioned one other International Criminal Court prosecution office staffer.

The United States accuses the International Criminal Court of overstepping its mandate. The United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court staff in retaliation for investigations into Israeli officials in Gaza and U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan. The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court. At least five countries have withdrawn from the International Criminal Court following U.S. efforts to persuade members to quit.

Why It Matters

The sanctions on Akane represent an escalation in tensions between the United States and the International Criminal Court, which was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. As Japan is the court's biggest financial backer, the diplomatic response from Tokyo carries substantial weight for the institution's operational stability and global standing.

The U.S. actions follow a pattern of pressure that has led at least five countries to withdraw from the court. The legal challenge filed by sanctioned judges in June shows the ongoing conflict between U.S. policy and the court's mandate. The outcome of Japan's diplomatic efforts may influence whether other member states resist or succumb to similar pressure.

Timeline

On July 1, 2002, the International Criminal Court was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. On January 1, 2007, Japan became the 105th member of the International Criminal Court in 2007.

What's New

The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, implemented by Executive Order 13818, authorizes the President to impose targeted sanctions on foreign persons determined to be responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Japan is the International Criminal Court's biggest financial backer.

ICC judges Kimberly Prost, Solomy Balungi Bossa, and Reine Alapini-Gansou sued the Trump administration in federal court in June, challenging sanctions imposed on them.