US Hails Venezuela's ICC Exit, Urges Other Nations to Leave 'Corrupt' Court

The United States government celebrated Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), using the announcement to intensify its campaign against the tribunal. Washington reiterated its stance, labeling the ICC as "corrupt," "worthless," and lacking legitimacy.

The State Department welcomed the move announced by Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. The U.S. asserted that Venezuela's new government joins Washington's efforts to "dismantle" the court. The statement noted that the ICC has been "investigating" Nicolás Maduro since 2018 without results, accusing the court of misdirecting resources toward countries with competent judicial systems that do not accept its jurisdiction.

According to Washington, the ICC's actions demonstrate "overreach," "political bias," and "selective application of justice," rendering the court "not credible, independent, or legitimate." The Trump administration highlighted that Maduro, who is detained in the U.S., faces American justice for alleged crimes. The U.S. concluded by calling on all states to abandon the Rome Statute.

Venezuela's government had previously announced its "firm and irrevocable" decision to denounce the Rome Statute and initiate withdrawal. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia claimed the ICC disproportionately focuses investigations on African and Latin American countries, acting with bias driven by interests beyond justice. He stated that, by Rodríguez's instructions, the decision was communicated to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The ICC, however, expressed regret over Venezuela's decision, noting that withdrawal will not take immediate effect. According to the Rome Statute, Venezuela remains a state party for one year after formal notification and must continue cooperating with ongoing investigations.

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