Venezuela Plans to Withdraw from the International Criminal Court
The Venezuelan Foreign Minister announced on Friday that his country would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing what he described as the bias exhibited by the tribunal.
The announcement came as the court continued its investigations into what it alleges are crimes against humanity committed during the rule of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia stated on X that Caracas had notified the United Nations of its “firm and irrevocable decision” to withdraw from the court.
He noted that Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power after US forces ousted Maduro in January, was the one who directed this step.
According to Plasencia, Venezuela views the court’s actions as reflecting “a clear geographical bias, disproportionately focusing on countries in Africa and Latin America.”
For its part, the court said it had not yet received official notification of Venezuela’s withdrawal.
It expressed regret “over any decision to withdraw from the collective effort to end impunity for the most serious international crimes,” noting that formal withdrawal from the court takes one year to take effect.
It clarified that “withdrawal does not affect any existing obligations of cooperation arising from investigations or criminal proceedings already initiated.”
The Hague-based court is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity committed during campaigns to suppress protests in Venezuela since 2014.
In December 2025, the Venezuelan parliament moved to repeal the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court, after the court closed its office in Caracas, deeming talks with the government unproductive.
Last March, the court rejected complaints filed by Venezuela, which argued that US sanctions imposed on the country amounted to crimes against humanity.
Plasencia’s announcement coincided with a decision by ICC member states on Friday to grant immunity to Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, following allegations of sexual assault against a staff member in his office, which he denies.
In 2024, Khan, 56, successfully obtained arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
However, following Donald Trump’s election to a second term, the United States decided to impose sanctions on the court and its judges in response to its actions against Israel.
