Statement, apparently aimed at Russia and Israel, makes clear it is committed to the defence of human rights

The jury of the Venice Biennale has said it would not give awards to artists from countries whose leaders are facing charges of crimes against humanity, in a statement apparently aimed at Russia and Israel.

The five-member jury of the art exhibition said it was committed to “the defence of human rights”, in continuity with the vision established by Koyo Kouoh, the Swiss-Cameroonian curator who was appointed to lead the 2026 edition of the biennale before her death last year, and would therefore refrain from the consideration of those countries whose leaders were charged with crimes against humanity by the international criminal court (ICC).