Why it matters:
Hungary’s move signals a major challenge to international justice mechanisms and coincides with its warm reception of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an ICC arrest warrant. The decision also raises concerns about Hungary’s commitment to human rights and international law.
What she's saying:
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, criticized Hungary’s actions, stating that by welcoming Netanyahu, Hungary has effectively endorsed Israel’s genocide—the complete destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza. She called Hungary’s ICC withdrawal “a brazen and futile attempt to escape international justice.”
Key points:
- Budapest announced its ICC withdrawal shortly after Netanyahu’s visit, rejecting the court’s authority over his arrest warrant.
- The Hungarian leader, a longtime ally of Netanyahu, previously blocked EU statements critical of Israel and denounced the ICC’s decision as “shameless, cynical, and utterly unacceptable.”
- Amnesty International warns that Hungary’s move undermines global efforts to hold war criminals accountable and weakens justice for Hungarians seeking redress through the ICC.
Go deeper:
Hungary was among the founding members of the ICC and is legally obligated to arrest individuals wanted by the court. However, Orbán’s government has openly defied this obligation, further straining relations with international human rights organizations and the EU.
ahmad shirzadian
