On May 20, the Hungarian Parliament approved a law that will initiate a one-year process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government claims has become “politicized.”
Orbán’s government announced its intention to leave the ICC on April 3, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary on a state visit, despite an ICC arrest warrant against him for actions related to the war in Gaza.
Hungary’s presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC expressed concern over this decision, as reported by Reuters.
The ICC was established over two decades ago to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Last month, Orbán declared that the ICC is no longer an impartial institution of justice, but rather a “political court.”
Hungary rejected the idea of arresting the Israeli Prime Minister and described the warrant as “brazen.” Although Hungary was one of the founding states of the ICC and ratified its founding statute in 2001, the original law had not been passed until now.
The bill to exit the court was passed with 134 votes in favor and 37 against.
“Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organizations—especially criminal courts—as tools of political influence,” reads the bill, submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén, as reported on the parliament’s official website.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, calling it a “bold and principled move.”
Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after the UN Secretary-General receives written notification of the decision.
