Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyers demand his return to the Philippines after his arrest in The Hague for crimes against humanity. Victims of his anti-drug campaign react with joy, viewing the arrest as historic. While his legal team claims wrongful kidnapping, human rights advocates express renewed hope for justice. Duterte’s supporters argue the ICC lacks jurisdiction following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute, but the ICC asserts otherwise.
Lawyers representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, demanding his return to Manila after his arrest in The Hague. This legal action follows the jubilant reactions from victims of Duterte’s notorious anti-drug campaign, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,000 individuals. Duterte’s legal team claims the government has committed an act of “kidnapping” by facilitating his transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte was flown to the Netherlands on Tuesday to face crimes against humanity charges related to his aggressive anti-drug policies. His plane is expected to arrive at 10:59 local time, while his eldest daughter, Sara Duterte, the current Vice-President, traveled to Amsterdam to assist with his legal preparations.
Carlos Conde from Human Rights Watch characterized the arrest as historic, stating it marks a significant moment not just for the Philippines, but for Southeast Asia as a whole. He indicated that victims of the violence have regained a sense of hope, expressing optimism about the role of the ICC in their pursuit of justice. Many victims have lost faith in the local judicial system, which they believe has failed to address their grievances.
An ICC spokesperson announced the confirmation of the arrest warrant and indicated that an initial hearing would be organized while Duterte is in custody. Although the exact timeline for a trial remains uncertain, advocates are urging the ICC to expedite proceedings.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, representing families affected by the drug war, expressed that the emotions of loss and suffering for these victims were temporarily overshadowed by joy and renewed hope. They described Duterte’s arrest as a significant victory for marginalized parties, likening it to the Biblical story of David and Goliath.
Community members, such as Brother Jun Santiago, expressed relief over the developments. Santiago owns Silingan Coffee, a cafe aimed at supporting families affected by extrajudicial killings while commemorating their stories. In celebration of the arrest, the cafe offered discounts to encourage patrons to learn about the associated abuses.
Human rights organizations widely welcomed Duterte’s arrest, with the Philippine rights group Karapatan calling the event “long overdue”. Nevertheless, supporters of Duterte argue that, following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC should no longer have jurisdiction over alleged crimes. However, the ICC has maintained that it can prosecute offenses that occurred while the Philippines was still a member.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos remarked that the arrest was conducted per the ICC’s request, expressing confidence that all legal procedures were followed satisfactorily. He asserted that the Philippine government did not assist the ICC in the arrest, noting it was executed in compliance with Interpol protocols.
In summary, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest has sparked a complex legal and emotional response among victims of his administration’s controversial anti-drug policies. His legal team’s petition for his return to the Philippines highlights ongoing tensions regarding jurisdiction and human rights. The arrest has been celebrated as a significant milestone by human rights advocates, while supporters of Duterte contest the ICC’s authority in this case. This situation raises crucial questions about accountability and justice in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
