(CLO) A plane carrying former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte from Manila landed in the Netherlands on Wednesday. "Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been surrendered to the International Criminal Court," the ICC announced in a statement.
He is set to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of "crimes against humanity" related to his controversial anti-drugs campaign.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: X
ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan stressed that the enforcement of the arrest warrant was “an important step forward for the victims”. He added: “Many people say that international law is not as strong as we would like it to be, and I agree with that. But I have always stressed that international law is not as weak as some people think.”
Mr Duterte was arrested near the Philippine capital Manila on Tuesday and then boarded a plane to the Netherlands. In a video shared on social media as the plane was about to land, Mr Duterte said: "I am the one who led the law enforcement and the military. I said I will protect you and I will take responsibility for all this. I told the police and the military that it is my job and I am responsible."
“This is going to be a long legal process, but I tell you I will continue to serve my country and will continue to do so,” he said.
Mr Duterte was taken to a detention centre on the Dutch coast ahead of a court appearance in The Hague, which is expected to take place in the coming days. The 79-year-old former president could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. He has said he will fight the charges.
Cao Phong (according to ICC, DW, AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/former-Philippines-President-Duterte-is-arrested-in-the-icc-court-after-den-ha-lan-post338286.html
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