The head of the International Criminal Court pledges independence despite American and Russian pressure

The President of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, confirmed today, Monday, during the annual meeting of the international judicial institution, that the court will not yield to any pressure from the United States or Russia.

This comes in light of the imposition of US sanctions on nine members of the court, including six judges and the prosecutor, due to pursuing investigations against American and Israeli officials, while Russia issued arrest warrants against court workers in response to a memorandum issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine.

Akani told delegations from the 125 member states: “We will never accept any kind of pressure,” stressing the court’s keenness to maintain its independence in judicial investigations.

The court’s meeting continues this week, and the agenda includes approving the budget in light of mounting pressure and negative media coverage on the international judicial institution.