ICC President urges Japan to lead global resistance against US sanctions on court

ICC President Tomoko Akane on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 urged Japan to work with other nations to resist United States measures targeting the International Criminal Court, warning that weaker countries might yield to Washington's pressure and withdraw from the tribunal. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Akane stressed Japan's position as the ICC's largest financial contributor and its strong relations with member states, noting that despite US sanctions rendering her credit cards unusable and anticipating further inconvenience, she remains committed to her judicial duties.

The US, through Executive Order 14203 signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025, has sanctioned nine of the 18 ICC judges, both deputy prosecutors, the former prosecutor, and one court employee, describing the Hague-based institution as "a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court" that has allegedly exceeded its mandate. Akane rejected claims of ICC hostility toward any state, insisting it merely investigates and prosecutes individuals for the gravest crimes.

With the United Nations Human Rights Office and European Union among those criticizing Washington's actions and urging member states to defend the ICC, Nigeria—as an ICC member since 2001—faces potential implications for continental justice efforts. Will African nations, inspired by Japan's stance, strengthen collective resistance to protect the court's legitimacy amid rising geopolitical pressure?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/27/icc-president-prods-japan-to-counter-us-pressure-on-countries/