Japan to send prosecutors to ICC to support Ukraine war crimes probe

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Japan to send prosecutors to ICC to support Ukraine war crimes probe

Sources familiar with the matter said that the Japanese government is considering sending three prosecutors to the International Criminal Court as early as this month to support the ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.

The move is intended to show Tokyo's commitment to hold accountable those who commit war crimes, such as attacks on civilians.

In early March, ICC prosecutors opened an investigation into Russia's alleged war crimes in Ukraine after receiving a referral from 39 countries, including Britain, Germany and France. Japan was added to the list of countries that support the investigation.

The sources said that three prosecutors from Japan will determine the support needs of the ICC first. The Japanese government will consider specific measures to support the ICC, aiming to send more prosecutors.

Japan is the largest financial contributor to the ICC. Hirokazu Matsuno, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, told reporters on Wednesday that Tokyo had made a contribution to the ICC last week, earlier than usual years.

Matsuno said we will continue to examine what we can do to provide further assistance.