Duterte’s Arrival at ICC: Significant Steps in a Controversial Case
Former Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte’s plane has departed for Rotterdam after a delay in Dubai due to medical checks. He was arrested in Manila amidst an ICC investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity stemming from his anti-drug campaign, which has caused thousands of deaths. Legal representatives are assessing options and his family plans to take legal action regarding his custody.
A plane transporting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte departed for Rotterdam, following a layover in Dubai that caused delays. Duterte, who governed from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged human rights abuses linked to his anti-drugs campaign, which has resulted in thousands of deaths.
Originally scheduled to land in Rotterdam around 0600 GMT, Flightradar 24 now indicates an expected arrival at approximately 1625 GMT due to the Dubai layover. A source associated with the ICC confirmed the plane’s departure. Meanwhile, around twenty anti-Duterte demonstrators gathered outside the court in The Hague, protesting against his actions with banners and a mask portraying him as a vampire.
During the Dubai layover, Duterte reportedly received medical evaluations, described by Philippine authorities as routine checks for vital signs. Concurrently, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, boarded a flight to Amsterdam, although her plans for the visit remain unspecified. The ICC has not commented publicly about the situation, nor have Duterte’s attorneys or officials in Dubai addressed inquiries.
At 79 years of age, Duterte could face prosecution at the ICC as the first former Asian head of state to do so. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that Duterte was en route to The Hague to confront charges related to his controversial anti-drugs campaign. While police records state that approximately 6,200 individuals were killed, activists argue that the actual figure is significantly higher, implicating many victims on community watch lists.
Silvestre Bello, one of Duterte’s legal representatives, mentioned that the legal team would convene to evaluate their options and to seek details regarding Duterte’s custody. Furthermore, Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, plans to request a habeas corpus from the Philippine Supreme Court to facilitate his return to the country.
In summary, the article outlines the recent developments surrounding former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been apprehended and is being transported to the International Criminal Court. The implications of his actions during the anti-drug campaign, which has drawn international scrutiny, may lead to him becoming the first Asian former head of state to be tried by the ICC. Legal representatives are actively exploring options for Duterte while his family prepares for potential legal actions to secure his return.
Original Source: gazette.com
