Venezuela’s Bold Move: Parliament Votes to Withdraw from the International Criminal Court Amidst Accusations of Bias
In a significant political development, Venezuela’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to withdraw the country from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision that underscores the growing tensions between the Venezuelan government and international judicial institutions. This move, reportly, reflects the lawmakers’ belief that the ICC has become ineffective and biased, labeling it as “useless and errical.”
The decision to step away from the ICC comes on the heels of a ruling from the ICC’s D.C. Attorney’s Office on December 1, which announced the closure of its representative office in Caracas. This closure was attributed to Venezuela’s failure to demonstrate “real progress” in investigating alleged crimes domestically, a prerequisite for the ICC’s intervention.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez articulated the government’s stance, asserting that the ICC primarily serves the interests of “United States imperialism.” He framed the withdrawal as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people, highlighting the political motivations behind the decision. Rodriguez further criticized the ICC, claiming it is “servile” and that its judges have failed to deliver justice, particularly in light of their silence regarding what he termed “Israel’s genocide” in Gaza.
The bill has been forwarded to President Nicolas Maduro for formal approval, marking a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s relationship with international law.
Despite Venezuela’s withdrawal, the ICC has emphasized that its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity within the country remains active.
