Italian Chamber postpones motion on International Criminal Court protection

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has voted to postpone a motion aimed at protecting the autonomy and operations of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The decision, approved by a margin of 40 votes, follows a proposal by opposition parties to defend the court against external pressures.

The postponement comes amid geopolitical tensions regarding US sanctions on 13 ICC judges and prosecutors, which are set to take effect in six months. While the government justified the delay by citing the need to find convergence in a delicate geopolitical context, opposition members criticized the move.

Stefania Ascari of the Five Star Movement described the delay as an “institutional shame,” alleging the government is acting out of fear of foreign influences. Other opposition figures, including Laura Boldrini, expressed strong indignation over the decision to delay the discussion on the court's legal standing and the implications of international sanctions.