New Facts: United States Sanctions ICC President Akane

International Criminal Court president Tomoko Akane asked Japan to press Washington to stop escalating its sanctions fight with the court. She also urged Tokyo to rally other ICC members not to bow to U.S. pressure to pull back.

Akane said the sanctions have already disrupted her personal finances, including suspended credit cards, but said her judicial work will continue. The measures freeze any assets in U.S. jurisdictions, block access to basic financial services, and bar court officials and their families from entering the United States.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the sanctions against Akane incompatible with Japan’s stance and pledged continued support. Japan’s foreign ministry sent an official to The Hague to discuss how to assist her, as Washington has signaled possible additional sanctions. A cross-party group of lawmakers in Tokyo denounced the U.S. action and urged the government to take tougher steps.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources