In brief
Rodrigo Duterte, the ex-president known for his fierce stance against drugs, was arrested at Manila's airport after returning from Hong Kong, based on a warrant from the International Criminal Court. The charges stem from accusations of widespread human rights abuses during his tenure.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody on Tuesday at the Manila airport upon his return from Hong Kong, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC's investigation focuses on Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, during which human rights organizations claim that tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings were conducted.Duterte, who served as the president from 2016 until 2022, has remained a significant figure in Philippine politics, despite facing multiple allegations of crime. His aggressive anti-drug campaign has drawn widespread condemnation, yet he has avoided facing serious consequences for these acts until now.At 79 years of age, Duterte has cultivated a loyal support base, allowing him to operate with a degree of impunity during and after his presidency. So far, only a few individuals have been held accountable for the numerous fatalities associated with the drug war.This arrest marks a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to address impunity for human rights violations in the Philippines. The ramifications of the ICC's actions and Duterte's legal battle will likely emerge as this situation continues to develop. Marlise Simons contributed reporting from Paris.
