Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is facing charges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.
Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, the son of Rodrigo Duterte and current mayor of Davao City, has vowed to “fight back” against the ICC following his father’s detention. He urged supporters to “stand up” against what he deems an unlawful arrest.
Rodrigo Duterte, 79, was taken into custody by Philippine authorities at Manila’s international airport last week. He was then transported to The Hague to stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his ‘war on drugs’.
The ICC arrest warrant alleges that Duterte orchestrated “death squads” responsible for extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users between 2016 and 2022.
Baste Duterte argues that his father’s arrest “sets a dangerous precedent.” Other Philippine officials have also voiced criticism of the former president’s extradition.
“We will stand up and we will fight back,” he stated.
The ICC initiated its investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign in 2018, focusing on claims of extrajudicial killings and police brutality. While activists alleged the deaths of innocent individuals, including children, police maintained their actions were in self-defense. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, though he acknowledged the violent nature of the crackdown. Official figures state 6,200 deaths, but experts suggest the actual number is considerably higher.
Some human rights advocates have questioned the legality of the arrest, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s direction. However, the ICC asserts its continued jurisdiction over crimes potentially committed while the Philippines was a signatory.
Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team has filed a petition accusing the Philippine government of “kidnapping” and claiming that his extradition violates both Philippine law and ICC regulations.
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