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Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, has delivered a fierce criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of failing to deliver impartial justice.
In an article published recently, Medvedev described the court as “politically biased” and ineffective in fulfilling its core mission of ensuring accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Medvedev’s sharp remarks come after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, over alleged war crimes related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He argued that the ICC has deviated from its original purpose and instead has become a tool for Western powers to target countries that disagree with their political interests.
“The ICC has abandoned its founding principles,” Medvedev wrote, “It has become an instrument of Western political influence, ignoring crimes committed by their allies while going after those who oppose them.” He pointed to the court’s failure to address alleged war crimes by NATO forces in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, claiming that this selective enforcement reveals the court’s bias and undermines its credibility.
Medvedev, who has long been critical of Western-led institutions, further emphasized that Russia, not being a signatory to the Rome Statute, has never recognized the ICC’s authority.
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He firmly stated that any attempts to enforce ICC decisions against Russian officials would be met with resistance, labeling such efforts as “illegitimate” and harmful to international relations.
While Medvedev’s views reflect the Kremlin’s long-standing opposition to the ICC, they also tap into a broader global debate about the court’s effectiveness and impartiality. Some countries and critics argue that the ICC has not always acted fairly, particularly when it comes to powerful Western nations.
The growing skepticism surrounding the ICC raises important questions about the future of international justice. As calls for reform of global institutions continue, the role of the ICC and its ability to remain neutral and effective in the face of geopolitical pressures is increasingly under scrutiny.
Medvedev concluded his article by urging the international community to rethink the legitimacy and future of institutions like the ICC, advocating for a new global framework for justice that ensures fairness and respect for all nations, regardless of political power.
