Hungary votes to leave ICC: Court has lost its impartiality
Photo: Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Hungary’s parliament has approved the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Budapest believes that the court has lost its impartiality, said Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
"The Hungarian Parliament just voted to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. With this decision, we refuse to be part of a politicized institution that has lost its impartiality and credibility," he wrote on X.
The withdrawal is not yet in effect. Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a country’s exit from the ICC becomes official only one year after notifying the UN Secretary General. Until then, Hungary remains legally obligated to cooperate with the court.
Hungary’s criticism of the ICC
Hungary has sharply criticized the ICC over its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whom the court accuses of involvement in war crimes in Gaza.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán openly stated he would not execute an ICC's judgment.
Earlier this month, Netanyahu visited Hungary, and Budapest did not arrest him, honoring its promise.
In April, Hungary’s Justice Minister Bence Tuzson confirmed plans to withdraw from the ICC.
Notably, the court has also issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader with whom Orbán maintains friendly ties.
