Venezuela formally exits ICC amid accusations of political bias

Venezuela has formally withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move the government claims is due to the court's alleged politicization and bias against nations in the Global South.

Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia announced on X that Venezuela had irrevocably notified the UN of its decision. He stated the ICC unfairly targets countries in Africa and Latin America. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez echoed these sentiments, asserting that the court has been used to target the Venezuelan state and people.

The withdrawal follows a vote by Venezuela's national assembly in December to repeal the Rome Statute, which ratified the court's founding treaty. This action paved the way for the government's exit.

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The International Criminal Court has been so heavily politicized to attack the Venezuelan people and the Venezuelan state that we do not believe in that type of organization or institution.

The ICC had been investigating alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela since at least 2017, with a formal investigation opened in 2021. The court closed its Caracas office in January 2025, citing a lack of cooperation from the Venezuelan government.

This development occurred on the same day ICC member states reportedly voted to dismiss ICC prosecutor Karim Khan over allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Khan's removal was supported by 82 of the court's 125 member states, according to diplomatic sources.

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The ICC investigates Venezuela for 'crimes against humanity'