The president of the ICC vindicates the “legitimacy” of the court in the face of “threats” and “pressure” from Russia and the United States

MADRID Dec. 2 () –

The president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, denounced this Monday that the court is being the victim of “coercive measures, threats, pressure and acts of sabotage” with a view to hindering its work, “attacks” all of which in Ultimately they would seek to undermine the “legitimacy” of a body established in 2022 and that has open cases on conflicts such as that of Ukraine or the Gaza Strip.

Akane, who spoke at the start of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, has rejected any attempt to “politicize” the function of a court that only seeks to “do justice.” We have always complied and will always comply with the law, in any circumstance,” he stressed.

In a speech without specific allusions, he did criticize Russia in a veiled way, pointing out that “a permanent member of the UN Security Council” has issued arrest warrants against members of the court, “simply for having diligently complied with his mandate”.

He has also spoken of “another permanent member of the Security Council” who has threatened with “draconian sanctions” against the court, “as if it were a terrorist organization”, in another veiled criticism of the United States, which once again raises the possibility of punishments. against members of the ICC before the imminent return of Republican Donald Trump to the White House.

“We firmly reject any attempt to influence the independence and impartiality of the court,” the judge stressed, questioning whether there are countries or leaders who are “scandalized” by the mere fact that the institution does what it theoretically has to do. .

In this sense, he pointed out that “the important thing is not to point the finger, but to the moon”, and has demanded more support, both political and economic, from the entire international community, a message similar to that conveyed by the rest of the speakers. who have participated in the event.

The chief prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan, a key figure when it comes to instigating investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity, has emphasized that only “together” can there be “hope” in matters of international justice. To this end, he has cited a single premise: “No individual should be less protected than another by the Rome Statute.”