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Harris ‘deeply regrets’ Hungary’s ICC withdrawal

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said that he “deeply regrets” Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

The head of the Hungarian prime minister’s office, Gergely Gulyás, confirmed yesterday (3 April) that its government had decided to quit its membership. 

He added that Hungary would now begin the termination procedure "within the constitutional and international legal framework".

Arrest warrants 

The Hungarian decision came after Israeli prime minister leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is sought under an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in Hungary for a state visit. 

In November, the court issued warrants against Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed “from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024”, the court said. 

His Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban had invited Netanyahu as soon as the warrant was issued last November, saying the ruling would have "no effect" in his country. 

The ICC also issued a warrant against the Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri. 

‘Cornerstone’ 

The Tánaiste said that it was “particularly disappointing” that an EU member state would take such a step. 

“The ICC is the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice and plays a vital role in ending impunity,” he added. 

“Along with our EU partners, we have consistently called on all states to respect its independence and impartiality.”