Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Venezuela Withdraws from ICC Over Bias Claims
Venezuela has decided to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) because it believes the court is unfairly targeting countries like Venezuela and others in Africa and Latin America.
The ICC, based in The Hague, investigates serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Venezuela's foreign minister announced the decision, saying the ICC's actions show bias.
The ICC responded by saying they regret Venezuela's decision and that it takes a year to officially leave.
Even after leaving, Venezuela would still have to follow the rules it agreed to while it was a member.
The ICC is currently looking into possible crimes against humanity in Venezuela, especially during protests.
Venezuela had also complained about US sanctions, but the ICC dismissed those complaints.
Meanwhile, the ICC's top prosecutor was recently dismissed over serious allegations, and the US has imposed sanctions on the ICC and its judges.
Venezuela announces withdrawal from the ICC citing perceived geographical bias.
ICC investigates alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela since 2014.
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez instructed the withdrawal.
ICC states withdrawal takes one year and previous obligations remain.
ICC dismissed Venezuela's complaints about US sanctions in March 2024.
- Who
- Venezuela's Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia and the ICC
- What
- Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the ICC
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Venezuela and The Hague
- Why
- Venezuela claims the ICC shows geographical bias, focusing disproportionately on African and Latin American countries.
Venezuela's Perspective
ICC's Perspective
Bias in ICC's Work
Venezuela's Perspective
Venezuela claims the ICC shows geographical bias, focusing disproportionately on African and Latin American countries.
ICC's Perspective
The ICC denies bias and emphasizes its commitment to ending impunity for serious international crimes.
Withdrawal Process
Venezuela's Perspective
Venezuela has informed the UN of its decision to withdraw from the ICC.
ICC's Perspective
The ICC states that withdrawal takes one year to take effect and that Venezuela remains bound by previous obligations.
- Date of Announcement
- Friday
- Current Venezuelan Interim Leader
- Delcy Rodriguez
- ICC's Response to Withdrawal
- Regret and emphasis on continued obligations
- ICC's Current Investigation in Venezuela
- Alleged crimes against humanity during crackdowns on protestors since 2014
- ICC's Decision on Venezuela's Complaints
- Dismissed complaints about US sanctions in March 2024
- ICC's Recent Controversy
- Dismissal of top prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual assault allegations
- US and Israel's Status with ICC
- Neither the US nor Israel are parties to the ICC
