Controversy as former Philippine President Duterte was 'forced' to go to the Netherlands

(CLO) Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was "forced" onto a flight to the Dutch city of Den Haag, home to the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Tuesday evening.

The incident came just hours after he was arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) linked to a years-long drug crackdown that has left thousands dead.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: X

According to The Philippine Star newspaper, Mr. Duterte was taken on a plane on Tuesday night. His daughter, Veronica Duterte, posted on Instagram: "They are taking my father by force without considering his health condition."

His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, said: "Right now, he is being forcibly taken to The Hague. This is not justice - this is oppression and repression."

After the plane took off, Ms. Sara Duterte announced that she would fly to the Netherlands on Wednesday to monitor the situation.

Former President Duterte, 79, was arrested at Manila's international airport upon his return from Hong Kong on Tuesday. He is accused of "committing crimes against humanity" in the anti-drug campaign from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, according to the ICC.

The ICC confirmed the arrest warrant for Mr. Duterte and stressed that he will have to appear in court as soon as he arrives in The Hague.

Incumbent Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Mr. Duterte boarded a flight that left Manila at 11:03 p.m. local time and will transit in Dubai for a few hours before continuing his journey to the Netherlands.

Mr. Marcos confirmed that he received notification from Interpol about the arrest warrant at 3 a.m. the same day. "Interpol has requested assistance and we must carry out our duty," Mr. Marcos said at a press conference on Tuesday evening.

Under Duterte, the Philippines has waged a brutal war on drugs that has left more than 6,000 people dead. The campaign has been widely condemned by the international community and has become the focus of an ICC investigation. Although Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the Philippines formally left.

Mr Duterte’s arrest immediately sparked a strong reaction. His supporters protested at the Villamor air base where he was detained for hours. Some even confronted the police.

Aikko Valdon, a Filipino overseas worker, expressed disappointment: "I didn't think it would come to this. He did so much for the country, and this is how they treat him."

In contrast, the families of the victims of the drug crackdown were happy. Christine Pascual, mother of one of the victims, said: "We have been praying and fighting for years. Finally, a president faces arrest for the crimes he committed."

Before his arrest, Mr. Duterte repeatedly denied allegations of extrajudicial executions. At an event in Hong Kong on Sunday, he criticized the ICC: "Do I have an arrest warrant from the ICC? What did I do wrong? I did everything for the peace of the Filipino people."

Duterte's lawyers filed a petition with the Philippine Supreme Court, arguing that the country does not have an extradition treaty with the ICC, so he cannot be transferred to the international court. However, according to the ICC, it has jurisdiction over crimes that occurred before the Philippines withdrew from the organization in 2019.

Although he is no longer in power, Mr. Duterte remains a major figure in Philippine politics. He registered to run for mayor of Davao City last October.

His family also holds important positions. Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, was impeached last month on charges related to a remark that hinted at assassinating the current president. Duterte's son, Sebastian Duterte, is currently the mayor of Davao and is expected to run in the upcoming midterm elections.

China has warned the ICC not to " politicize " the case. Beijing said prosecuting Mr. Duterte could set a "dangerous precedent" and expressed concern about "double standards" in the international judicial system.

Mr. Duterte is expected to have his first hearing before the ICC in the near future. If convicted, he could face a long prison sentence.

Cao Phong (according to The Philippine Star, CNN, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tranh-cai-tu-nhieu-phia-khi-cuu-tong-thong-philippines-duterte-bi-cuong-che-den-ha-lan-post338100.html