Venezuela cites alleged bias against Global South as reason for ICC exit

Venezuela has officially notified United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia delivered the notice on instructions from Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, describing the move as a "firm and irrevocable decision".

Caracas justified the departure by claiming the Hague-based tribunal systematically discriminates against nations in the Global South. The court had previously opened investigations into Venezuelan officials over alleged human rights abuses and political repression. Under the Rome Statute, the official withdrawal will take effect one year following the UN's receipt of the declaration.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ.