Japan Condemns Russia’s Extradition Requests for ICC Officials
Japan protests Russia's extradition requests for ICC president Tomoko Akane and eight staff, calling measures unjust and unacceptable.
POLICY WIRE — Tokyo, Japan — Japan has strongly condemned Russia’s request for the Netherlands to extradite the International Criminal Court (ICC) president, a Japanese national, and eight other court officials. The move comes after Moscow issued arrest warrants for the nine individuals in response to the ICC’s 2023 warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
A high-ranking Japanese official criticized the extradition requests, calling them unjust and unacceptable. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki stated that Tokyo would respond appropriately, including lodging additional protests. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office submitted the requests to the Netherlands and other countries, accusing the ICC of violating international law by issuing arrest warrants against Russian citizens without evidence.
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Relations between Japan and Russia have deteriorated since Putin’s visit to disputed islands claimed by Japan. Japan has faced challenges balancing its support for the ICC with its alliance with the United States, which has targeted the court with sanctions. The new U.S. measures cut the ICC off from U.S.-based financial services and technology companies, raising concerns about the court’s ability to function.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
