Rodrigo Duterte Arrested in Manila Following ICC Warrant for Crimes Against Humanity
Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte, who is 79 years old and served as the country's president from 2016 to 2022, faces serious allegations of crimes against humanity and human rights violations linked to his aggressive anti-drug policies.
During his tenure, Duterte instituted a controversial war on drugs that resulted in the deaths of approximately 6,000 individuals suspected of drug dealing or addiction. However, many human rights organizations believe that this figure is significantly understated, claiming that Duterte orchestrated multiple extrajudicial killings in an attempt to eradicate drug-related crime.
The ICC's interest in Duterte's actions stemmed from extensive criticism by local and international human rights advocates, sparking investigations into his administration's practices. Although Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, prosecutors contend that they maintain jurisdiction over his alleged crimes, as they were committed during the time of the Philippines' membership in the Court.
The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as a global tribunal for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity. Notably, the Court lacks its enforcement mechanism, depending instead on member states to execute arrest warrants.
Duterte's arrest occurred at Manila's airport, where he returned from a trip to Hong Kong. This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for accountability and justice for the atrocities committed during his administration.
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