The recent Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the International Criminal Court (ICC), published in the Official State Gazette on October 21, 2025., marks a decisive step forward in international cooperation in criminal matters.
As of November 1, 2025, Spain officially becomes an ICC State of enforcement of sentences, which means that persons convicted of crimes under the Rome Statute - genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crime of aggression - will be able to serve their sentences in Spanish prisons, under direct supervision of the Court.
1. A legal framework that provides guarantees and is supervised by the Court
The agreement establishes that the sentences imposed by the ICC will be executed in accordance with Spanish law, but under the permanent supervision of the International Criminal Court.
This ensures that the serving of sentences is governed by the highest international standards, with strict respect for human rights and the Nelson Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners.
For public officials, former authorities or State agents sentenced by the ICC, this execution stage involves a complex process that requires technical, confidential and specialized legal assistance to coordinate directly with the Spanish prison authorities and the Presidency of the Court.
2. Legal assistance in the execution phase of the sentence.
At this stage, there are many legal aspects that must be managed with precision:
- Coordination with the Presidency and Secretariat of the Court.
- Supervision of the conditions of confinement and rights of the convicted person.
- Communication with the Spanish Ministry of Justice, the enforcement authority.
- Processing of requests for review or reduction of sentence under the Rome Statute.
- Advice on possible transfers, humanitarian pardons or cooperation with other States.
Having an accredited technical defense is essential to ensure that the conditions of compliance are consistent with human dignity and with the rights of the convicted person as recognized by the Rome Statute.
3. The role of VENFORT ABOGADOS
VENFORT ABOGADOS, based in Madrid, offers comprehensive legal assistance to persons sentenced by the International Criminal Court to serve their sentence in Spanish territory.
Our team is composed of ICC-accredited lawyers with experience in international criminal law, comparative penitentiary law and international judicial cooperation.
The team is coordinated by Dr. Alan Aldana, Director of International Criminal Law at VENFORT ABOGADOS, recognized for his experience in international litigation and his accreditation before the International Criminal Court.
4. Commitment to the defense and dignity of the convicted person.
The execution of an international sentence must not entail the loss of the convicted person's fundamental rights.
VENFORT ABOGADOS works with the objective of:
- Protect the integrity and procedural rights during execution.
- Monitor prison conditions in accordance with international standards.
- Ensure effective communication between the convicted person, the Spanish authorities and the International Criminal Court.
- Accompany families in humanitarian management, documentation and communication with the competent institutions.
Our approach combines technical rigor, absolute confidentiality and international vision, essential for those facing the most delicate phase of international criminal proceedings: the enforcement of sentences.
5. Direct assistance in Madrid
With main offices in Madrid, VENFORT ABOGADOS acts as a direct liaison between the International Criminal Court and the Spanish criminal enforcement authorities, guaranteeing immediate and personalized representation for each case.
For officials or former officials convicted by the Court, having a team accredited before the ICC and with effective experience in this area can make the difference between a merely formal execution and an active defense aimed at the protection of international rights and guarantees.
Confidential advice and immediate assistance.
venfortabogados.com
Madrid - Caracas
