Japan Condemns Russia’s Bid to Extradite ICC Officials to Moscow
Japan has strongly criticized Russia’s request for the Netherlands to extradite nine International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, including President Akane Yamamoto, to Moscow. The ICC officials were convicted in absentia by a Russian court in December 2025 for issuing arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the measures are incompatible with Japan’s support for the ICC and the rule of law. The Netherlands has indicated that extradition to Russia has been banned since 2021, and Japan has pledged to continue supporting the ICC’s operations.