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[INTERNATIONAL] · Venezuela · 100 sources

Venezuela exits International Criminal Court, citing geographic bias

The Venezuelan government formally notified the United Nations that it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia announced on X that the decision, described as "firm and irrevocable," was taken at the instruction of interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The withdrawal is justified by alleged geographical bias, with the court disproportionately targeting African and Latin American nations, which Caracas says deepens global inequalities and violates sovereign rights. Venezuela’s National Assembly voted in December 2025 to repeal the Rome Statute, paving the way for the exit. The ICC has been investigating possible crimes against humanity stemming from the 2017 crackdown on anti‑government protests. Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, the withdrawal becomes effective one year after the UN Secretary‑General receives the formal notice, but the court’s investigations will continue during that period. Domestic NGOs such as Provea and the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (CLIPP) condemned the move and urged the government to reverse it. The U.S. State Department welcomed the decision, framing it as part of a broader campaign to dismantle the ICC.

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US Backs Venezuela ICC Exit [newscentraltv.com]
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