ICC chief’s book gets boost after US sanctions
A book by International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane has seen a surge in sales since the United States announced sanctions against her and the court as a whole, with many people apparently buying it to express solidarity.
“Senso hanzai to tatakau” or “Fighting war crimes,” traces Akane’s path from her upbringing to her role in the ICC, as well as the responsibilities and significance of the tribunal. It has sold 85,000 copies as of Tuesday, according to publisher Bungeishunju Ltd., which said it has also received inquiries about alternative ways to support the ICC.
Akane, the first Japanese national to lead the ICC, was among the ICC judges targeted by U.S. sanctions in August, including a freeze on her assets in the United States. Washington has accused the ICC of encroaching on state sovereignty.
On Friday, the United States intensified its campaign to dismantle the tribunal by announcing sanctions against the court as a whole after this year’s Nobel Peace Prize went to former ICC judge Navanethem Pillay.
The Trump administration has strongly objected to ICC probes into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. military personnel.
In her book, published before Washington imposed the measures, Akane predicted that the ICC would be targeted and said the court was determined to protect the rule of law.
Now on 9th printing
The book, reprinted five times since August as orders poured in, is currently on its ninth printing, the publisher said.
“Readers may be taking the situation personally as Japanese nationals” and not viewing the issue simply as an international squabble, said editor Nanami Torishima, 44.
“There seem to be many people who are rooting for and stand in solidarity with Akane,” she added.
After consulting with the judge, Bungeishunju introduced the Trust Fund for Victims as an option for those who would like to further support the ICC.
