Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyers have filed a petition for his return to the Philippines after his arrest in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity related to his “war on drugs.” This development has elicited joy among victims and human rights advocates, as they express optimism for justice through the ICC. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and activists emphasize the significance of this event in the broader context of human rights in the region.
Lawyers representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have filed a petition with the Supreme Court demanding his return to Manila, labeling his transfer to The Hague as “kidnapping.” This legal action follows his arrival in the Netherlands, where he faces crimes against humanity charges linked to his notorious anti-drug operations, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,000 individuals.
Duterte’s legal representation is backed by his youngest daughter, Veronica. Meanwhile, his eldest daughter, Sara Duterte, who serves as the country’s vice-president, traveled to Amsterdam to assist in legal preparations as Klaus Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, noted the historic significance of this event. He emphasized that the victims have experienced a sense of ecstatic relief at his arrest, a moment viewed as transformative not only for the Philippines but for Southeast Asia.
Conde remarked, “This is something that’s totally unprecedented in the history of this country… the victims here in the Philippines have pretty much lost faith in the domestic justice system, which has done so very little in terms of addressing their quest for justice.” Activists have expressed hope that the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings can expedite justice for those affected.
The ICC confirmed the arrest warrant against Duterte, with an initial appearance hearing scheduled. Although the trial timeline remains uncertain, advocates urge for a swift start to the proceedings. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, representing victims’ families, characterized the day as one of joy and hope amid pain from the losses they have endured, suggesting that this development represented a triumph for the marginalized.
Bro. Jun Santiago, who operates a cafe to support victims’ families, stated there was “a feeling of simple joy at what is happening, and relief.” His cafe facilitated discussions about the human rights abuses under Duterte’s administration by offering discounts to patrons.
Duterte’s arrest has been hailed as a significant milestone by human rights advocates, including the rights alliance Karapatan, who deemed it “long overdue.” Supporters of Duterte contest the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, though the ICC asserts it retains jurisdiction for crimes committed prior to this departure.
President Ferdinand Marcos affirmed that the arrest complied with necessary legal procedures and confirmed that it was executed at the ICC’s request, indicating that the Philippine government did not assist the ICC in this matter.
In summary, the demand for Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines following his arrest on international charges represents a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice in the country. Victims of his controversial policies find renewed hope for accountability, reinforcing the necessity of international oversight. The legal proceedings ahead will be closely monitored as they progress, with many advocating for swift and decisive action from the International Criminal Court.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
