Members of the Venice Biennale jury announced on Thursday that they would not consider works by artists from countries whose leaders are under investigation by the International Criminal Court, an apparent reference to Russia and Israel, Reuters reports, writes UNN.
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The five jury members, who will select the winners of the Golden Lion and Silver Lion awards from 110 participants, said they felt obliged to "defend human rights" as part of their role at the event, which opens on May 9.
"This jury will refrain from considering works from those countries whose leaders are currently accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity," their statement said, without mentioning Russia and Israel.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for current leaders, including Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, for alleged war crimes against children in Ukraine, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in Gaza.
The Israeli and Russian embassies in Rome did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The international contemporary art exhibition has been criticized since organizers allowed Russia to reopen its pavilion at the event. After Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian artists and institutions were excluded from major European events. The Biennale's decision drew criticism from the Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, as well as from the European Union, the publication notes.
On Thursday, the European Commission said it had sent a letter to the Biennale informing it of its intention to terminate or suspend a 2 million euro ($2.34 million) grant after Moscow was granted the right to participate.
EU may strip Venice Biennale of funding over return of Russian pavilion23.04.26, 17:55
A spokesperson added that the Biennale has 30 days to respond to the EU letter.
In a separate statement, the Biennale said that the jury operates with full autonomy and independence.
"This is a position that the jury members have decided to bring to public attention. It is a natural expression of the freedom and autonomy guaranteed by the Biennale," the statement said.