The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Judge Tomoko Akane as President during a plenary session held on March 11, 2024.
Judge Akane, alongside First Vice-President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala and Second Vice-President Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, will helm the Court for the 2024-2027 term.
Judge Akane’s election comes at a pivotal moment for the ICC, as it grapples with complex international legal challenges.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her by her fellow judges and outlined her vision for the Court’s future.
“I am deeply honoured to have been elected by my fellow judges to serve as President of the International Criminal Court,” remarked Judge Akane. “At this challenging time for the Court, stable, collaborative, and unified leadership is required.”
Central to Judge Akane’s agenda is the fostering of dialogue among the Court’s various organs, as well as with defence representatives, victims’ advocates, and member states.
She emphasised the importance of reinforcing dialogue with both States Parties and those nations yet to ratify the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.
“I will focus on fostering dialogue amongst the organs of the Court, and defence and victims’ representatives, as well as in reinforcing the dialogue with States Parties and States that have not yet ratified the Rome Statute,” affirmed Judge Akane. “I will also prioritise the security and well-being of the Court’s personnel.”
The Presidency, consisting of the President and two Vice-Presidents, holds a crucial role in providing strategic leadership to the ICC.
It coordinates with other organs, seeking concurrence from the Prosecutor on matters of mutual concern. Additionally, the Presidency oversees the proper administration of the Court, excluding the Office of the Prosecutor, and provides input into administrative policies affecting the Court’s overall functioning.
Judge Akane’s tenure as President follows her notable decision in March 2023 to issue an arrest warrant for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
This decision, which garnered international attention, prompted the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs to issue a warrant for Judge Akane’s arrest.
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[…] of Internal Affairs placed ICC President Piotr Hofmański on the wanted list. Additionally, ICC Judge Tomoko Akane, who issued the warrant for Putin, and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for […]