International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former President Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte Nabbed Upon Landing at Manila Airport. The 79-year-old ex-president finds himself in a messy situation, as he's under the radar for alleged human rights violations linked to his hardline drug policy. According to our sources, including the BBC, Interpol Manila received an official warrant from the ICC for Duterte's arrest.
"The cat's out of the bag early morning," a presidential spokesperson announced to AFP, confirming that the veteran leader is currently in custody.
The court is probing alleged criminal activities tied to Duterte's anti-drugs operations during his term. He had a history of advocating for brutal methods in his war on drugs, even boasting about executing three drug dealers himself. Some human rights groups believe thousands may have lost their lives under his hardline approach, including victims of extrajudicial killings.
According to AFP, citing the ICC, Duterte is being investigated for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from the deaths of thousands of people, even those without clear ties to drugs.
After a long flight from Hong Kong, Duterte landed in Manila. Despite earlier declarations that he was ready to face the court, things have taken a turn for the worse. Notably, the Philippines renounced its ICC membership in 2019 under Duterte's orders; however, the court still maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal, such as killings in Davao, where Duterte previously served as mayor.
The official investigation commenced in September 2021 but faced a temporary roadblock when the Philippines suspended it due to a review of hundreds of drug-related cases. However, the case was reignited in July 2023, as a panel of five judges dismissed the Philippine government's objections against the ICC's jurisdiction.
funny how things turn around, ain't it?
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64727606 2** [4]** https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/03/philippine-authorities-must-not-shelve- ICChuman-rights-probe-against-ex-president-duterte/
- The arrest warrant for Duterte by the ICC adds a new twist to the general news, as the ex-president faces charges for alleged crimes against humanity related to war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice.
- The politics surrounding Duterte's case have become increasingly complex, with the former president's arrest occurring amidst the backdrop of his controversial drug policy and allegations of human rights violations.
