Putin and Netanyahu no longer face risks in Hungary

Viktor Orban has never hidden his fondness for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. These two leaders should no longer fear arrest in connection with ICC warrants against them. Hungary formally decided on 20 May 2025 to withdraw from the ICC after a vote of 134 parliamentarians in favour, 37 against, and 7 abstentions. The reason given for the bill was that "Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organisations, especially courts, as political tools" (sic).

A Blow for the EU and the UN

In practice, Hungarian authorities already didn't feel obliged to comply with ICC decisions, despite ratifying the Rome Statute in 1999 (a requirement for joining the European Union). In fact, Hungary announced its intention to leave the ICC on 3 April 2025 during Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest. The UN will be informed of the Hungarian parliament’s decision by its Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Le Soir with Belga – Picture: © picture alliance / Anadolu | GPO / Handout)