ICC Confirms Detention of Former Philippine President Duterte in The Hague
The ICC confirmed that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is held in Scheveningen after his arrest upon returning from Hong Kong. Duterte’s former executive secretary claimed unawareness of his location, while the ICC stated it has grounds to believe he is responsible for crimes against humanity related to his drug war. This marks a significant moment as Duterte could be the first Asian leader tried at the ICC.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is currently held at a detention facility in Scheveningen, located in The Hague. This confirmation came after statements from Duterte’s former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea, who asserted that both he and Duterte’s camp were unaware of the former president’s location.
ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah informed the press that Duterte was detained following routine medical examinations, which are standard for all suspects in custody. Medialdea, who accompanied Duterte to The Hague, indicated a lack of clarity regarding the former president’s whereabouts.
Duterte was transported to The Hague on a chartered flight after being arrested at Manila International Airport upon returning from Hong Kong. He presided over the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and may potentially be the first former Asian leader to stand trial at the ICC.
The ICC previously stated it had found credible evidence suggesting that Duterte is “individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder.” These alleged crimes reportedly occurred in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019, in connection with Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, which supposedly resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings.
In summary, former President Rodrigo Duterte is detained in Scheveningen, confirmed by the ICC after his recent arrest. Salvador Medialdea, Duterte’s former executive secretary, stated that they did not know his whereabouts, demonstrating a lack of information within Duterte’s camp. The ICC is progressing with charges of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which has resulted in significant fatalities.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
