The arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is binding on Hungary.
Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán cannot take arbitrary steps in relation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu on suspicion of war crimes in Gaza is also binding on Hungary, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová told the Euronews portal, TASR correspondent in Budapest reports.
The decision of the ICC is binding on all countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute
“All members of the European Union are subject to the same international laws, including the laws of international institutions,” Jourová continued. She emphasized that Hungary is a signatory to the Rome Statute, on the basis of which the ICC was established. She added that responsible politicians are aware of their international obligations.
“This is a rule based on international law, which stipulates that the parties must respect the court’s decisions. So this is a binding decision of the International Criminal Court for everyone who is a signatory, including Hungary,” added the European Commissioner.
According to her, if Netanyahu is not arrested, they will violate the agreement, which will cast a bad light on the country’s image and legal action may follow. Orbán said on Friday that he would invite Netanyahu to visit Hungary and would guarantee him that the ICC arrest warrant “would not be respected”.
In addition to Netanyahu, the Hague-based ICC issued arrest warrants Thursday for his former defense minister Yoav Galant and the leader of Hamas’ military wing, Muhammad Daif, for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza conflict.
Orbán told Hungarian state radio that the arrest warrant issued by the ICC “is not correct”. He added that Netanyahu will be able to negotiate “in reasonable safety” in Hungary, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.
