logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
9m 45s

What is the International Criminal Court...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The International Criminal Court has been in the spotlight recently after it issued several arrest warrants for both Hamas and Israeli officials involved in the Israel-Gaza war. Following this, US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against the court and Hungary also accused them of being ‘politically biased”.

Based in the Dutch city of The Hague, the court was established in 2002 and has the power to bring prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. But how does it all work? And what powers does the ICC have? Anna Holligan, a BBC correspondent, based in the Netherlands tells us all the information you need to know to understand what’s happening with the ICC.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Up next
Aug 22
ID please! Why the UK is checking your age online
In the UK, if you want to watch pornography or see content on sites like X, Reddit and Discord that is deemed only suitable for people over 18 years old, you now need to provide your identification to prove you are old enough to access this material. The UK government says its On ... Show More
11m 33s
Aug 21
Why fake weddings are India’s latest party trend
The big fat 'fake' Indian wedding is social media’s latest party trend. Fake wedding parties have taken the world and social media by storm with people getting together to enjoy all the fun of a wedding party: the food, Bollywood music, dancing and glamorous outfits. But there ar ... Show More
10m 5s
Aug 20
Why the world is divided on plastic pollution
Life is full of plastic, but it’s not always fantastic. We know that plastic is super useful: it helps keep food fresh and lets medicines, like vaccines, be delivered at scale to billions of people. But the world is drowning in it. In fact, the amount of plastic on our planet now ... Show More
11 m
Recommended Episodes
May 20
Why is Hungary leaving the International Criminal Court?
In today’s episode, we cover why Hungary is leaving the ICC, the EU’s agreement to lift sanctions on Syria, international calls for Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza, and the new UK/EU sanctions on RussiaSubscribe to TLDR’s weekly newletter:https://toolong.news/newsletter TLDR ... Show More
6m 21s
Dec 2024
Will the ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant Lead to Justice?
In this episode, we speak to Dr. Nimer Sultany, a law professor at SOAS. We discuss the ICC and the ICJ; what impact these cases will have and whether we should be optimistic about these legal developments. Dr. Sultany speaks with host Diana Buttu about the unprecedented number o ... Show More
17m 15s
Aug 2014
The International Criminal Court's Palestine Problem
The Palestinian Authority may ask to join the International Criminal Court, potentially paving the way for war crimes charges to be brought against both Israelis and Palestinians. Mark speaks with international law expert Kevin Jon Heller about the legal and political consequence ... Show More
14m 57s
Feb 2025
Top criminal court condemns US sanctions on officials
The International Criminal Court has said it will continue to provide justice and hope to the victims of atrocities, after Donald Trump signed an order to impose US sanctions on its staff. The court said it stood firmly by its personnel. Mr Trump signed the order during a visit b ... Show More
49m 10s
Mar 2024
The role of international law and justice in a fragmented world
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have led questions of international law and justice to filter into everyday discourse. Both conflicts are deeply rooted in complicated and at times controversial discussions concerning the validity of territorial claims, the permissibility of use of f ... Show More
40m 56s
Feb 2025
Top criminal court condemns US sanctions on officials
The International Criminal Court has vowed to continue its work after Donald Trump imposed sanctions on its officials because it issued a war crimes arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. 
30m 16s
Nov 2024
The ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The show opens with Bianna Golodryga speaking to David Scheffer, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, about the legal implications of the International Criminal Court’s unprecedented arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes. Plus, Bianna inter ... Show More
42m 43s
Nov 2024
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. What’s next?
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. These arrest warrants will now be sent to all 125 member states of the ICC. What does it me ... Show More
21m 50s
Nov 2024
“HAND OVER Netanyahu!” ICC Arrest Warrants Debate
The International Criminal Court, or ICC, has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sacked defense minister Yoav Gallant and the Hamas Commander Mohammed Deif, in a move that is simultaneously being called unprecedented and long overdue. Francesca ... Show More
1h 12m