Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, vowed on Sunday that she will continue to do her job, despite the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump imposing sanctions on her and other officials of the Hague-based judicial body.
Appearing online at an event in Tokyo, Akane said she stands firm in her conviction no matter what. She is among the ICC judges targeted by U.S. sanctions that freeze assets in the United States, with Washington accusing the ICC of encroaching on state sovereignty.
Akane, the first Japanese national to head the ICC, described the punitive measures as a threat to judges and to the principle of neutrality.
The Trump administration has strongly objected to ICC probes into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. military personnel.
Akane also urged Japan to take a proactive role in efforts to cooperate with many countries and prosecute serious crimes.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said the sanctions were "incompatible" with her country's commitment to the rule of law.
