Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and is en route to The Hague at the request of the International Criminal Court regarding his controversial anti-drug campaign. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest, asserting it was lawful. Duterte faces accusations related to numerous killings during his presidency, with human rights advocates viewing his detention as a crucial step toward accountability.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has been flown to The Hague following his arrest at the Manila airport. This arrest, made at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC), pertains to the controversial anti-drug campaign that took place during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, leading to numerous killings. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Duterte’s departure and described the arrest as legally justified and compliant with Interpol protocols.
Duterte’s aggressive “war on drugs” was a cornerstone of his administration, marked by violent rhetoric and promises of harsh measures against drug criminals. He has consistently maintained that police actions were lawful and enacted only in self-defense, even asserting he was willing to face prison to eliminate drugs in the Philippines. His daughter, Veronica, reported on social media that the family was unaware of her father’s flight details, referring to it as a kidnapping.
The ICC is investigating possible crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-drug policies and claims jurisdiction over events occurring during the Philippines’ membership. The arrest has sparked outrage from Duterte’s supporters and led to legal actions to counter ICC proceedings. A lawyer representing Duterte has sought a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court against his arrest, arguing it was unlawful.
The ICC warrant accuses Duterte of being criminally responsible for the deaths of at least 43 individuals from 2011 to 2019, which includes his tenure as mayor of Davao City. His detention has been viewed positively by human rights advocates and victim families, who have long sought accountability for the thousands of killings alleged to have occurred during the drug war. Official police reports indicate that approximately 6,200 suspects were killed during operations, but activists suggest the actual number of fatalities is significantly higher, possibly reaching 30,000 as indicated by ICC prosecutors. Police officials, however, have disputed claims of systematic violations and attributed the deaths to legitimate confrontations.
In summary, the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte represents a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign. As he faces potential prosecution at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity, both the Philippine authorities and human rights advocates are closely monitoring developments. This situation underscores the complexities of law enforcement, accountability, and the broader implications of Duterte’s policies.
Original Source: www.indailyqld.com.au
