Duterte's first night in ICC custody is a pivotal moment for the court

In a significant development, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into custody at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands. This event unfolded on a Wednesday night, as a crowd of his supporters gathered outside the ICC detention center, waving national flags and chanting, 'Bring him back! ' They expressed their desire for him to return to the Philippines. Duterte, who is now 79 years old, has been a controversial figure due to his aggressive campaign against drugs during his presidency. He has consistently defended his actions, claiming that he aimed to eliminate drug-related crime in the country. However, the ICC has stated that there are reasonable grounds to charge him with murder as a crime against humanity, as many individuals, including small-time drug dealers and users, were killed without trial during his administration. The official death toll stands at around 6,000, but human rights activists believe the actual number could be much higher. Duterte argues that his crackdown on drugs was necessary to make the streets safer, but rights groups contend that his campaign disproportionately targeted young men from impoverished communities. This situation is particularly noteworthy because Duterte is the first former Asian head of state to be indicted by the ICC, and his arrival marks a pivotal moment for the court, which has not seen a suspect like him in three years. The circumstances leading to Duterte's arrest are quite remarkable. His supporters claim that the current Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos, is using the ICC as a political tool against Duterte, especially since the two have had a falling out. The ICC serves as a court of last resort, designed to hold powerful individuals accountable when domestic courts are unable or unwilling to do so. However, the court relies on cooperation from countries to execute arrests, which is often denied. Just a few months ago, it seemed unlikely that Duterte would ever face prosecution by the ICC, particularly when his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, allied with Marcos to form a powerful political coalition. Yet, the rapid sequence of events leading to Duterte's arrest demonstrates that political dynamics can shift quickly, and those once considered untouchable can find themselves facing justice. Duterte will now spend his 80th birthday in the ICC's detention facility, located in a serene area of The Hague. The entire process of Duterte's extradition, from his detention in Manila to his arrival in The Hague, was documented on social media by his daughter and himself. His flight was closely monitored, and updates were shared about his journey, providing a rare glimpse into what is usually a secretive process. This level of transparency allowed the public to follow every step of his journey, including the meals he was served on the plane. Duterte's arrest sends a powerful message that even influential individuals can be held accountable for their actions, potentially deterring future abuses. His case has reignited discussions about the ICC's role in relation to national sovereignty, a concern often raised by non-member states like the United States, Russia, and China. The ICC relies on its 128 member countries for funding and operational support, making Duterte's high-profile arrival a significant win for the court. After issuing arrest warrants for other leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which are unlikely to be enforced, Duterte's detention serves as proof that the ICC can bring those accused of serious crimes to justice. This situation is a crucial test for the ICC's ability to function effectively in an increasingly polarized world. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has faced challenges, including sanctions from former President Donald Trump over the arrest warrant for Netanyahu. However, Duterte's arrest provides him with a strong response, emphasizing that international law is not as weak as some may believe. When countries collaborate, the rule of law can prevail.