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On February 20, 2026, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) adopted [3] an amendment to the Regulations of the Court [4] introducing Regulation 56 bis, which establishes the procedure governing motions for acquittal before a Trial Chamber. The amendment complements Rule 140 quater of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence [5], approved by the Assembly of States Parties in December 2025. Together, these provisions clarify how Trial Chambers should handle requests by the defence seeking an acquittal after the Prosecution has completed presenting its evidence.

Under the new framework, the defence may file a motion for acquittal after the Prosecutor concludes presenting its evidence. If the Chamber determines that the evidence presented is insufficient to support a conviction, it may enter a judgment of acquittal. The amendment also introduces defined procedural timelines for submitting requests, filing motions, and issuing decisions, with the aim of ensuring consistent practice among chambers and facilitating efficient case management.

The amendment entered into force on February 20, 2026. In accordance with Article 52(3) of the Rome Statute [6], amendments to the Regulations of the Court are circulated to states parties and remain in force unless a majority objects within six months.