Duterte spends first night in ICC custody amid supporter protests
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, marking a significant moment for the court as he becomes the first Asian former head of state to be indicted.
On Wednesday night, as Duterte was taken into custody, his supporters gathered outside the facility, waving national flags and demanding his return. The 79-year-old was extradited from Manila following an ICC arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his brutal “war on drugs,” which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings.
Despite facing charges, Duterte remained defiant, defending his crackdown on drug dealers, which he claimed was necessary to combat street crime. However, rights groups argue that the campaign disproportionately targeted the urban poor and was marred by police abuses. The official death toll stands at 6,000, though activists believe the real figure is significantly higher.
Duterte’s extradition was unexpectedly swift, with his daughter, Kitty, and his aides documenting his journey on social media. His plane was one of the most tracked flights globally, offering a rare glimpse into the typically opaque process of ICC extradition.
The former leader will spend his 80th birthday in the ICC detention facility, which provides private cells, access to computers, a library, and sports facilities. Detainees can also prepare their own meals using a provided shopping list.
Duterte is expected to make his initial court appearance in the coming days, where he will confirm his identity, choose a language for proceedings, and acknowledge the charges. If the case proceeds to trial, it could take years before a final judgment is reached.
His arrest has reignited debates over the ICC’s role in holding world leaders accountable, particularly as the court faces challenges enforcing warrants against figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC’s ability to prosecute Duterte could serve as a test of its authority in an increasingly polarized global climate.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, who has faced criticism and sanctions, welcomed the development, stating, “International law is not as weak as some may think. When we build partnerships, the rule of law can prevail.”
Credit: BBC
