Orbán calls himself 'expert' on ICC and explains Hungary's exit
Photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (facebook com orbanviktor)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the International Criminal Court (ICC) politicized. This reportedly led Hungary to consider withdrawing from the ICC, Telex reports.
Orbán made these remarks during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest.
He called himself an "expert" on the ICC, noting that in 2001, as Hungary's Prime Minister, he signed the document for Hungary's accession to the ICC.
The head of the Hungarian government said that he would now be the one to lead the country out of the ICC, a statement that was met with applause, including from Netanyahu.
According to Orbán, Hungary, which he considers a democratic state governed by the rule of law, cannot participate in this. He believes the court has been reduced to a "political instrument."
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s move, calling it a bold step. He described the ICC as a corrupt organization that threatens democracy. He added that Hungary had shown extraordinary courage in the face of anti-semitism.
Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC
Today, on 3 April, the Hungarian authorities officially announced that they were going to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. This happened against the backdrop of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Hungary refused to comply with the ICC warrant and take Netanyahu into custody.
