Pressure on the International Criminal Court is increasing as the United States sanctions high-ranking staff members. Recently, two more staff members were sanctioned. A growing number of member states are leaving the institution as a result.

Venezuela and Chad are the latest countries to announce their departure from the court. They join Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which withdrew in the past year. The total number of countries to pull out in the past year is now five.

The US State Department has commented on the withdrawals, indicating they welcome more announcements in the future. Further details on the situation are available from the source.