Medvedev proposes BRICS intl. court as alternative to 'flawed' ICC
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Dmitry Medvedev criticizes the International Criminal Court and suggests creating a BRICS international court focused on sovereign immunity and global justice.
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Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and the head of the United Russia party Dmitry Medvedev speaks during a meeting of the United Russia party programme commission in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has proposed the creation of a new international legal body under the BRICS international court framework as an alternative to what he described as the "inefficient" and "irreversibly flawed" International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an article titled "Lost Illusions, or How the International Criminal Court has become a legal nonentity," Medvedev argued that the ICC's current role and structure have failed to deliver impartial justice and should be replaced.
Medvedev suggested that BRICS nations could lead the development of a new judicial body that aligns with the principles of the UN Charter, particularly emphasizing sovereign immunity in international law.
This proposed court would respect the immunity of heads of sovereign states from foreign jurisdiction and oppose foreign interference, including what he described as "unlawful foreign instructing of opposition leaders."
Medvedev accuses ICC of double standards and political motives
The Russian official accused the ICC of displaying "discriminatory blindness and hearing loss," focusing on less significant cases while allowing high-profile war criminals to evade prosecution.
He questioned whether the ICC was necessary to prosecute figures from small, conflict-ridden nations, while ignoring crimes allegedly committed by leaders of powerful Western countries.
Medvedev further claimed that the ICC has consistently acted in the interests of the West, particularly NATO countries, and accused the court of applying ICC bias and double standards.
He argued that the ICC’s judicial practice has been increasingly shaped by political and ideological factors, particularly favoring the "collective West".
"Curious as it may seem, this involved currying favour with a number of states (primarily the USA) which were quite dismissive towards the ICC and its practice," he noted.
The growing dissatisfaction with the ICC has led several states to reconsider their participation. Medvedev noted that the biased actions of the court have prompted some countries to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. He called for the flawed institution to "sink into oblivion" and be replaced by a more balanced legal entity.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some countries, including Hungary, have distanced themselves from the court, while the United States under President Donald Trump imposed sanctions against the ICC, blocking assets and barring entry for ICC staff.
Medvedev’s ICC alternative proposal emphasizes the need for a new court that avoids the pitfalls of the current system. This court, he suggested, would uphold universal international law, including prosecuting crimes like genocide, war crimes, and terrorism, particularly when such crimes cross international borders.
Read more: South Africa says 'no chance' to withdraw ICC case against 'Israel'
