Sara Duterte Travels to The Hague to Support Father Amid ICC Arrest

Sara Duterte travels to The Hague to assist her father, Rodrigo Duterte, after his arrest by the ICC for alleged crimes related to his drug war. She condemns the actions as oppression and defends her father’s sovereignty. Legal teams are mobilizing to address the situation, amidst political turmoil surrounding Sara’s impeachment.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has traveled to The Hague to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, following his arrest on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He faces allegations of crimes against humanity linked to a controversial drug war during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Rodrigo Duterte was apprehended at Manila airport and subsequently flown to The Hague, where he may become the first Asian former head of state tried at the ICC. Sara’s journey aims to help coordinate her father’s legal defense team amidst the ongoing international scrutiny of his actions.

Sara described her father’s arrest as an act of “oppression and persecution,” asserting that his extradition represents an infringement of Philippine sovereignty. She expressed, “This is a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation’s independence.”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has justified the government’s compliance with the ICC, affirming it aligns with their commitments to Interpol. Sara’s sister, Veronica Duterte, intends to file a habeas corpus petition with the Supreme Court, seeking to return their father to the Philippines.

Legal representatives, including Silvestre Bello, a former minister, are poised to pursue legal options and ascertain details about Rodrigo Duterte’s location and conditions of detention. They plan to ensure access to him for legal counsel during this critical period.

Sara’s visit follows her recent impeachment by the Philippine lower house, which cited various allegations against her, including misuse of public funds and conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos. She has rebuffed these allegations, framing them as politically motivated.

While the ICC has not officially charged Duterte, investigations on alleged human rights violations from his brutal anti-drug campaign have been ongoing since 2018. His presidency was marked by calls for aggressive police actions against drug-related crimes, resulting in over 7,000 killings documented in official reports.

In reaction to his arrest, vigils were held in Quezon City, where families and advocates for victims of his drug war protested, demanding accountability for the actions taken during his presidency. Their signs highlighted calls for justice against the backdrop of his controversial tenure.

In summary, the imminent legal challenges faced by former President Rodrigo Duterte signal a significant moment in Philippine history. Vice President Sara Duterte’s intervention underscores familial loyalty amidst national condemnation. The development raises poignant questions about sovereignty, accountability, and human rights—the consequences of which could resonate beyond the Philippines.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com