ICC president urges UN to act in face of US threat

International Criminal Court president and Japanese judge Tomoko Akane condemned US sanctions imposed on the Court on October 9, 2026, in remarks to the United Nations. Speaking remotely during the presentation of the ICC’s annual report, she said the measures were intended to disrupt the institution and intimidate its staff and those cooperating with it. Akane urged all 193 UN member states to defend the Court, which faces a threat of dismantling by the Trump administration over investigations involving the United States and its allies, including Israel. She said the ICC would continue to fulfil its mission.