What was Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’?
Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, launched a violent anti-drug campaign during his tenure.
The ICC accuses him of crimes against humanity (murder) from 2011 to 2019.
Human rights groups estimate 30,000 extrajudicial killings linked to the campaign.
Domestic Political Landscape
The ICC has no enforcement power and depends on national governments to execute its warrants.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 to avoid prosecution.
Despite initial resistance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later allowed the ICC warrant’s execution, following political tensions with Duterte.
ICC’s Jurisdiction Dispute
Duterte’s allies argue ICC lacks jurisdiction since the Philippines withdrew in 2019.
The ICC ruled in January 2023 that the withdrawal does not prevent investigations into past crimes.
The Rome Statute mandates that all 125 signatory states must cooperate in arresting ICC-wanted individuals, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Global & Legal Implications
Duterte’s indictment strengthens the ICC’s credibility, unlike unenforced arrest warrants against Putin (Russia) and Netanyahu (Israel).
However, the ICC remains politically controversial, facing threats from the Trump administration and China’s opposition.
China, engaged in a territorial dispute with the Philippines, sees the case as politically motivated.
What’s Next for Duterte?
Duterte’s lawyers claim his arrest and extradition were illegal.
The ICC will hold a hearing to confirm charges before deciding on a trial.
If a trial is approved, it will take years before reaching a verdict.
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