Hungary withdraws from ICC

Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), becoming the first European Union nation to do so.

A senior official in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government confirmed the move just hours after Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary for a state visit.

Orban had invited Netanyahu in November, shortly after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader. At the time, Orban stated that the ruling would have “no effect” in Hungary.

In November, ICC judges ruled that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu bore “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu has condemned the ICC’s decision as “antisemitic.”

The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Hungary, a founding member, will now begin the formal process of withdrawal by submitting written notification to the UN Secretary General. The exit will take effect in one year, as outlined in Article 127 of the Rome Statute. However, ongoing ICC proceedings will not be affected.

ALSO READ UK: Doctors urge govt to fight poverty as Victorian disease patients increase

During a joint press conference, Orban criticized the ICC as a “political court” and said the warrant against Netanyahu “clearly showed” this. Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “bold and principled.”

“It’s important for all democracies. It’s important to stand up to this corrupt organisation,” Netanyahu said.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also thanked Orban on X for his “clear and strong moral stance alongside Israel.

“The so-called International Criminal Court lost its moral authority after trampling the fundamental principles of international law in its zest for harming Israel’s right to self-defence.”

Hungary’s decision aligns with Orban’s broader foreign policy, which strengthens ties with Israel while criticizing international institutions seen as limiting national sovereignty. While the withdrawal carries political significance, it does not impact the ICC’s ability to operate.

The ICC has faced opposition before and continues to function with widespread international support. However, Hungary’s criticism of the court as “politically biased” and its decision to withdraw during Netanyahu’s visit could prompt other nations to reconsider their commitments to international justice.

Several major countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea, are not ICC members and do not recognize its jurisdiction. Israel is also not a member, but in 2021, the ICC ruled that it had jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza due to the UN’s recognition of Palestinian membership.

Despite Hungary’s withdrawal, the ICC still expects compliance.

ICC spokesman Fad El-Abdullah told the BBC: “On the visit of Netanyahu, the Court has followed its standard procedures, after the issuance of an arrest warrant. The Court recalls that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC.”

As an ICC member, Hungary is technically required to arrest Netanyahu and transfer him to The Hague. However, member states do not always enforce ICC warrants. Some European nations have said they would detain Netanyahu if he visited, while others, including Germany, have stated they would not.

The United States has strongly opposed the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Since the ruling in November, Netanyahu has visited the US, and his trip to Hungary marks his first visit to Europe since the warrant was issued.

On Wednesday night, Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky welcomed Netanyahu at Budapest airport. Later, Orban and Netanyahu walked the red carpet together at a welcoming ceremony in the Lion’s Courtyard in Budapest.

(BBC)

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE