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Japan condemns US sanctions targeting ICC judge Tomoko Akane
The Foreign Ministry called the sanctions “very unfortunate,” while the European Union and UN officials also voiced concern.
Japan has reacted to US sanctions announced Tuesday against Tomoko Akane, a Japanese judge and president of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, saying the measures are “very unfortunate.”
According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Tokyo has consistently supported the ICC as a permanent international criminal court aimed at prosecuting and punishing serious crimes, and at upholding the rule of law. The ministry added that Japan will remain committed to strengthening the rule of law in the international community.
The sanctions drew condemnation from the European Union, several European governments, and human rights groups. A spokesman for United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “seriously concerned,” and the broader dispute leaves Japan facing a difficult choice between defending Akane and managing potential fallout with the Trump administration.