Tajikistan Considers Withdrawing From the International Criminal Court
The lower house reviewed a draft resolution on 16 September; the trigger is the ICC warrant against Putin.
On 16 September, the lower house of Tajikistan's parliament reviewed a draft resolution on withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) at an extraordinary session. The parliamentary press service said only that "corresponding decisions were taken".
The trigger: the Putin warrant
The likely reason is Russian President Vladimir Putin. In October 2025, Dushanbe hosted him at a Russia–Central Asia summit despite an ICC arrest warrant against him.
Why the warrant was issued
The ICC issued the warrant in March 2023 over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. Before the visit, Tajik officials told the court they would not execute it; the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber rejected those arguments on 19 March 2026 and referred the matter to the Assembly of States Parties in May.
The withdrawal process
Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, withdrawal takes effect one year after written notice is given to the UN secretary-general. The UN treaty database still lists Tajikistan as a state party.
In brief
- Parliament reviewed: 16 September 2026
- Putin visit: October 2025 (Dushanbe)
- ICC warrant: March 2023
- Withdrawal: takes effect after 1 year
