Former Philippine President Duterte En Route to ICC in Rotterdam

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s plane departed for ICC in Rotterdam after delays in Dubai. His arrest marks a pivotal step in ICC’s investigation into his anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths, prompting protests and medical checks during travel. Duterte faces potential charges of crimes against humanity, as his legal team prepares to assess options amidst ongoing public demonstrations.

A plane transporting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) has departed for Rotterdam following a brief layover in Dubai. Duterte’s arrest in Manila on Tuesday marks a significant advancement in the ICC’s investigation into crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign from 2016 to 2022.

Originally scheduled to land at around 0600 GMT, the flight was delayed and is now expected to arrive at 1625 GMT. Sources confirm that the plane is en route, despite the earlier hiccup. Approximately 20 protesters against Duterte demonstrated outside the ICC in The Hague, highlighting the divisive nature of his presidency.

During the layover in Dubai, Duterte received what were described as routine medical checks, attended by police doctors. Separately, Sara Duterte, the Vice President and his daughter, traveled to Amsterdam, with her intentions unclarified. The ICC has refrained from commenting on the situation, as have Duterte’s legal representatives and officials from Dubai.

At the age of 79, Duterte stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr indicated that the flight would lead Duterte to The Hague, facilitating his confrontation with charges of crimes against humanity linked to his notorious anti-drug initiative, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

Activists assert that the death toll from Duterte’s operations far exceeds the official figures, with many victims reportedly extrajudicially executed. In light of the developments, Duterte’s legal team is preparing to explore options regarding his detention and access, while another of his daughters plans to file a habeas corpus petition in an effort to secure his return to the Philippines.

The ongoing legal proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC represent a critical moment in international law regarding accountability for alleged human rights abuses. As the details surrounding his detention unfold, the implications for the Philippines and former leaders could be significant. The response from both supporters and opponents continues to shape the narrative surrounding this historic case.

Original Source: gazette.com