Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested today, Tuesday, at Manila International Airport. This action was taken pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
New Delhi: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested today, Tuesday, at Manila International Airport. This action was taken pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte faces serious charges of crimes against humanity, including the alleged killings of thousands during his anti-drug campaigns while in office.
Why was the ICC warrant issued?
Duterte was returning to Manila from Hong Kong when security agencies apprehended him at the airport. The arrest was carried out on the order of the ICC, which issued the warrant following a long-running investigation. Duterte is accused of overseeing a large-scale violent campaign against drug traffickers during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, during which thousands were allegedly killed by police and government agencies.
The ICC began its investigation on November 1, 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao City. The investigation continued until March 16, 2019, but Duterte attempted to halt it. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, denying the court's legitimacy, but the court continued its investigation. Following his departure from the presidency in 2022, action against him intensified.
Protests from Duterte Supporters
Following his arrest, Duterte will be presented before the ICC, where he may face trial on charges of human rights abuses, murder, and oppressive policies. If found guilty, he could face a severe sentence. His arrest has sparked protests from his supporters in the Philippines. Many are calling it a politically motivated act of revenge, while human rights organizations have hailed it as a significant step towards justice.
