Venezuela Steps Away From World Court That Pursues Human Rights Crimes

Venezuela told the UN on July 24, 2026 it is leaving a world court that puts individuals on trial for serious human rights crimes. Foreign Minister Plasencia called the decision "irrevocable." Interim President Rodriguez ordered the exit; she took office after the US removed former President Maduro in a January 2026 military operation. The court still has an open investigation into how Venezuela cracked down on protesters in 2017, and leaving does not immediately stop that investigation.