The Japanese government has expressed regret over the U.S. government's decision to impose sanctions on the Japanese president of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On August 19, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement under the name of Press Secretary Kitamura Toshihiro, stating, "Japan has confirmed that ICC President Judge Akane Tomoko has been additionally designated for sanctions by the United States."

The ministry continued, "Japan has consistently supported the ICC as a permanent international criminal court in its efforts to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and to uphold the rule of law," adding, "From this perspective, the announced measures are extremely regrettable."

It also noted, "Japan will continue to work toward strengthening the rule of law in the international community while maintaining communication with relevant countries."

This statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry follows the U.S. government's announcement on August 18 (local time) that it would sanction ICC President Akane and Principal Trial Counsel Mbacke Fall (noted as Abdoulaye Seye in the original text).*

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

Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the two individuals, including President Akane, to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) list that day.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Kyodo News on August 18 (local time) that the sanctions were not directed at the Japanese government, but stated that the U.S. expects allies, including Japan, to "cease support for the ICC."

At the same time, the spokesperson emphasized that the U.S.-Japan alliance is "the cornerstone of peace, stability, and freedom in the Indo-Pacific."

The ICC is a permanent international court established in 2002 in The Hague, Netherlands, under the Rome Statute.

It has prosecuted and punished former and current heads of state and other individuals who have committed crimes against humanity, such as war crimes and genocide.

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 Americans.

Criticism regarding U.S. sanctions against the ICC had already emerged from Japanese political circles.

Komeito leader Takeya Toshiko urged the Japanese government on the same day to express its commitment to maintaining the ICC's functions.

Takeya stated, "I want to express deep concern and regret," adding, "The Japanese government must clearly manifest its will to ensure that the independent functions of the ICC are maintained, and back appropriate measures so that President Akane can fulfill her duties."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)