The administration of Javier Milei demanded urgent action from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, in response to the worsening human rights violations in Venezuela. They called for the issuance and execution of arrest warrants against Nicolás Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, the leading figures of the chavista regime.
Argentina's intervention, delivered by its ambassador to the ICC, Diego Emilio Sadofschi, during the opening of the Assembly of States Parties in The Hague, coincided with escalating military tensions in the Caribbean. These tensions arose following Donald Trump's directive to close airspace and the mobilization of U.S. forces to the region.
"The arbitrary detentions, inhumane treatment, and other crimes against humanity committed by the Venezuelan regime necessitate thorough but swift investigations, including arrest warrants for the main perpetrators," stated Sadofschi. His speech broke from the typically diplomatic tone of the conference.
Hemispheric Shift in Pressure on Venezuela
Argentina diverged from the general consensus of the assembly, sharply criticizing the lack of progress in the process initiated by the ICC Prosecutor in 2021. The diplomat emphasized that since the "fraudulent elections of July 2024," the situation has dramatically worsened, with new waves of repression, disappearances, and political persecution.
Buenos Aires' stance was supported by several ICC member countries who believe that international inaction has enabled the impunity of the chavista regime. Milei's demand aims to reinvigorate the Venezuelan cause within the international judicial system at a time when the regime is facing simultaneous pressure from the U.S. and its regional allies.
Venezuela's Response and International Developments
Venezuela's representative to The Hague, Héctor Constant Rosales, responded by accusing the Argentine government of "politicizing" the conference and labeled it a "false defender of human rights," according to EFE.
Sadofschi responded firmly, demanding that Argentina's dissociation from any resolution that downplays the crimes committed in Venezuela be recorded in the minutes.
The ICC also announced the closure of its office in Caracas due to "lack of real progress" in the regime's cooperation—a decision that further isolates Maduro on the international stage.
Argentina's diplomatic offensive occurs alongside Washington's movements, which have intensified the "Southern Spear" military operation in the Caribbean.
All indications suggest that December may mark a regional turning point: the end of complacency with the chavista regime and the beginning of a new phase of political, judicial, and strategic confrontation in the hemisphere.
Key Questions on Argentina's ICC Appeal
What action has Argentina requested from the ICC?
Argentina has called for the ICC to issue and execute arrest warrants against Nicolás Maduro and Diosdado Cabello due to escalating human rights violations in Venezuela.
How has Venezuela responded to Argentina's demands at the ICC?
Venezuelan representative Héctor Constant Rosales accused Argentina of politicizing the conference and described it as a "false defender of human rights."
Why did the ICC decide to close its office in Caracas?
The ICC announced the closure due to a "lack of real progress" in the Venezuelan regime's cooperation with the court.