Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and flown to The Hague at the request of the ICC, due to suspected involvement in thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency. His daughter claimed the arrest was akin to kidnapping, while the ICC is investigating human rights violations. Duterte asserts his methods were lawful and self-defensive, amidst significant backlash and accusations from rights groups.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and transported to The Hague following a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged involvement in a bloody anti-drug campaign. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed Duterte’s departure from Manila, marking a significant advancement in the ICC’s inquiry into widespread killings during Duterte’s tenure from 2016 to 2022.
The arrest occurred early Tuesday at a Manila airport and is pivotal to the ICC’s investigation into accusations of crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. Marcos stated, “I am confident the arrest was proper, correct and followed all necessary legal procedures,” while denying any collaboration with the ICC.
Duterte has consistently defended the methods he employed against drug offenders, claiming he only authorized police to use lethal force in self-defense. His youngest daughter, Veronica, expressed her distress on social media about her father’s situation, referring to it as a kidnapping.
This event marks a notable moment as Duterte could be the first former head of state in Asia to face trial at the ICC. Duterte previously withdrew the Philippines from the court in 2019, rejecting its inquiries into alleged extrajudicial killings under his watch. The ICC maintains it can pursue cases from member countries unless they fully withdraw from jurisdiction.
The ICC’s investigation implicates Duterte in overseeing the murder of at least 43 people from 2011 to 2019, during his tenure as mayor in Davao City. Activists and victims’ families view his arrest as a critical move towards accountability in a nation with a concerning history of police brutality. While police claim around 6,200 deaths occurred during drug operations under Duterte’s presidency, human rights advocates suggest the actual figure may exceed 30,000, highlighting systemic issues in law enforcement practices during the anti-drug campaign.
The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signifies a landmark event in the ICC’s pursuit of accountability for alleged human rights violations during his presidency. His departure to The Hague raises pertinent questions about the legal processes surrounding his actions as well as the broader implications for rule of law in the Philippines. Ongoing investigations and the reaction from both the government and human rights advocates will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of justice in the country.
Original Source: www.indailyqld.com.au
