Former Philippine President Duterte Faces ICC's Judgment Seat

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has detained former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking the first time a former Asian leader has faced arrest by the global tribunal. Duterte, 79, was taken into custody in the Philippines on charges stemming from his notorious anti-drug campaign during his presidency.

Supporters of Duterte argue against the ICC's jurisdiction, citing his withdrawal from the court in 2019. However, ICC judges maintain their authority, asserting that the accusations predate the Philippines’ exit, allowing them to proceed with the proceedings. Duterte's arrest highlights the ICC's ongoing role in prosecuting serious international offenses, such as war crimes and genocide.

Currently, the ICC is handling cases across many regions, including recent cases against Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir. The court continues to rely on state cooperation for arrests, as it lacks its own police force.