Venezuela Withdraws from International Criminal Court

Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The South American country is accusing the tribunal of political bias and disproportionately targeting countries in Africa and Latin America.

Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia announced the decision, describing the withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, as “firm and irrevocable”. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez argued that the court had become politicised and had been used to target Venezuela.

The move follows years of tension between Venezuela and the ICC, which opened a formal investigation in 2021 into alleged crimes against humanity committed during a government crackdown on anti-government protests beginning in 2017.

Despite the withdrawal, the ICC says its investigation will continue. Under the Rome Statute, a country’s withdrawal takes effect one year after notification and does not halt investigations already underway.

Human rights advocates expressed concern that the decision could make it more difficult to hold officials accountable. Thousands of alleged victims have submitted testimony to the court as part of the ongoing investigation.

The United States welcomed Venezuela’s decision, with the State Department calling the ICC a “corrupt” institution and urging other member states to leave the court as well. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the ICC and has sought to reduce its influence.

Legal experts say Venezuela’s withdrawal is unlikely to affect the current investigation but could limit future cooperation between Caracas and ICC prosecutors.