Archive · 20 May 2025
Hungary's Parliament Votes to Leave the International Criminal Court
Imagine a special court that tries to catch people who commit really bad crimes, like starting wars or hurting lots of people.
This court is called the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Hungary, a country in Europe, used to be part of this court.
However, the leaders in Hungary have decided they don't want to be part of it anymore.
They think the court is unfair and picks on certain people.
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, made this decision after the court issued an arrest warrant for leaders of Israel.
Now, Hungary is planning to leave the ICC completely, joining a small group of countries that have done the same.
Hungary's Parliament approved withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the decision after an ICC arrest warrant for Israeli leaders.
The ICC is accused of war crimes by the global tribunal, which Orban considers politically motivated.
The vote saw 134 lawmakers in favor, 37 against, and 7 abstaining.
Withdrawal will be effective one year after the UN receives notification.
- Who
- Hungarian Parliament and Prime Minister Viktor Orban
- What
- Hungary's parliament approved leaving the International Criminal Court.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Hungary
- Why
- Hungary considers the ICC to be a politically motivated organization.
International Criminal Court
Hungarian Government
ICC's Motivation
International Criminal Court
The ICC aims to prosecute individuals for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.
Hungarian Government
The ICC is a politically motivated body and has no place in Hungary.
- Decision
- Hungary to withdraw from ICC
- Vote Result
- 134 for, 37 against, 7 abstained
- Initiator
- Prime Minister Viktor Orban
- Reason Given
- ICC is 'politically motivated'
- Previous Members Who Left
- Burundi, Philippines
- Effective Date of Withdrawal
- One year after UN notification