International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane said on Thursday (August 21) she would firmly resist sanctions imposed by the United States against her, while pledging to protect the international judicial institution based in The Hague amid growing pressure from Washington.
Speaking as tensions escalate, Akane stressed that the ICC will not yield to external pressure and will continue to carry out its independent mandate. Her statement came after the US announced sanctions targeting her personally, a move seen as part of Washington's broader campaign to pressure the international court.
Analysts suggest the US action could undermine the ICC's role in prosecuting war crimes and human rights violations globally. However, Akane insisted she will continue to lead the court through this challenge, while calling on the international community to support the independence and integrity of the international criminal justice system.
The ICC, established under the 2002 Rome Statute, is the first permanent court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The latest US sanctions are seen as a blow to the court's operational capacity, but Akane vowed to continue delivering justice impartially and transparently.
