Judge Tomoko Akane walks before delivering the verdict in the Al Hassan case at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, on Nov. 20, 2024. (Eva Plevier/Pool Photo via AP, file)
BRUSSELS (Kyodo) — Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has said the Netherlands “stands firmly” behind the International Criminal Court headquartered in his country and its work toward justice as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on the organization.
The foreign minister made the statement in a post on X after meeting with ICC President Tomoko Akane on Thursday. Akane, the first Japanese national to lead The Hague-based judicial body, has been sanctioned by the Trump administration, which has accused the ICC of encroaching on state sovereignty.
“I commend her leadership and value our close cooperation. As host nation and state party, the Netherlands stands firmly behind the ICC and its vital work for international justice,” Berendsen said, posting a photo with him and Akane.
The ICC also said the two discussed “collective efforts in defense of justice and the rule of law,” adding that Akane expressed the court’s gratitude for the strong support provided by the Netherlands.
The U.S. imposition of sanctions on the ICC leadership has prompted a sharp reaction, though Japan, for its part, has stopped short of outright criticism of the United States, its closest ally, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi describing it as “very unfortunate.”
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concern over the sanction and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also said she stands firmly with the ICC, adding that its judges and officials must be able to “act independently and without external pressure.”
The Netherlands is among the 27 members of the European Union.