US Expects Allies, Including Japan, to Halt Support for ICC After Sanctioning Its Japanese President

Following its decision to sanction the Japanese president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the U.S. government has reportedly called on countries including Japan to suspend their support for the court, according to Kyodo News.

Speaking to Kyodo News on the 18th local time, a U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that while the sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane and others were not directed at the Japanese government, the U.S. "expects allies, including Japan, to cease their support for the ICC."

Earlier, the U.S. administration announced sanctions against ICC President Akane and Chief Legal Counsel of the Appeals Division Abdallaye Seye.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement in a statement, adding that "they have been directly involved in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials of countries that have not agreed to the ICC's jurisdiction."

In addition, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control added President Akane and the other official to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) list.

The State Department spokesperson claimed to Kyodo that the ICC poses a "threat to U.S. sovereignty" and that the latest sanctions are aimed at addressing the court's actions.

Regarding the U.S.-Japan alliance, the spokesperson emphasized that it remains the "cornerstone of peace, stability, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific."

Established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, the ICC is a permanent international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands.

It has indicted and punished former and current heads of state and other individuals from countries who have committed war crimes, genocide, or other crimes against humanity.

However, the Trump administration has maintained that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and that the ICC has no jurisdiction to try American citizens.

Voices of criticism have emerged within Japanese political circles regarding the U.S. sanctions against the ICC.

Toshiko Takeya, leader of Komeito, urged the Japanese government to express its commitment to maintaining the functioning of the ICC.

"I want to express strong concern and regret," Takeya said, adding, "The Japanese government should clearly express its commitment to ensuring the ICC's independent functions are maintained and provide appropriate support so that President Akane can fulfill her duties."

(Photo: Captured from official website)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.