US-sanctioned ICC chief says court 'must not be dismantled'

International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane on Wednesday warned that the tribunal "must not be dismantled" as she pushed back against a sweeping US sanctions campaign targeting the court's judges over arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Washington's sanctions campaign

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week branded the Hague-based court a "corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate" while announcing measures against Akane and ICC Prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. "We will not tolerate its assault on state sovereignty," Rubio said, adding that Washington expects more nations to end their funding and participation in the institution. The sanctions have frozen the assets of 18 judges and barred them from the US financial system, according to agency reports.

Akane, the first Japanese national to lead the tribunal, rejected the punitive measures during a virtual news conference. "I have no reason to incur US sanctions," she said, adding that "I will resist any adverse consequences." Speaking to Japan's NHK earlier, she noted that "the situation is becoming increasingly serious" as Washington expands its campaign to dismantle the court.

Tokyo's diplomatic position

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday that the US measures are "incompatible" with Japan's stance, though Tokyo has faced criticism for what observers called a "weak response" to the pressure campaign. The Japanese government confirmed it had "repeatedly urged Washington at various levels not to sanction" Akane. The sanctions target 18 judges after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Gaza war.