The Venezuelan government has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision that comes as the institution continues an investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed in the country since 2017. Caracas claims to have officially initiated the procedure provided for by the Rome Statute with the United Nations.
Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia indicated that this decision was made on the instructions of interim President Delcy Rodríguez. In a message posted on the social network X, he specified that Venezuela had notified UN Secretary-General António Guterres of its intention to denounce the Rome Statute and definitively withdraw from international jurisdiction.
An investigation has been opened into the events of 2017
For several years, the ICC has been investigating allegations of crimes against humanity related to the repression of protests and alleged human rights violations that occurred under the presidency of Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan authorities have consistently contested the Court's jurisdiction and denounced the proceedings as politically motivated.
The political context has changed dramatically since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States on January 3. The new government now intends to break with several international bodies that it considers hostile to Venezuela's interests.
A procedure that will take time
The withdrawal from the Rome Statute will not have immediate effect. In accordance with the rules of the International Criminal Court, the denunciation takes effect one year after the official notification addressed to the United Nations.
Furthermore, this withdrawal does not automatically end investigations already underway. The ICC retains jurisdiction over acts allegedly committed while Venezuela was still a party to the Rome Statute, meaning that ongoing investigations could continue despite Caracas's decision.
Community
Comments
Write a comment
Be the first to comment on this article.