Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is now in The Hague to face the ICC.
In an update, ex-president Rodrigo Duterte landed in the Netherlands on Wednesday and will be facing the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Following the arrest of President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, he was taken to The Hague at night to face the charges in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The charges were related to the EJK during his time as president.
President Bongbong Marcos confirmed his flight to the Netherlands in a press conference and added that his arrest was according to the law. It did not violate the sovereignty of the country; however, thousands of people cried foul and rallied, objecting to the arrest.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s statement stated that her father was forcibly taken to The Hague, stressing, “This is not justice. This is oppression and persecution.”
After hours of flight, he finally arrived in The Hague, and he landed in Rotterdam before midnight Manila time. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirmed that the former president was on the plane, and a few minutes later, he was in the custody of the ICC.
On Facebook, Duterte posted a video expressing an update to his supporters. That was the moment before he landed in Rotterdam, and he said, “I’m okay, don’t worry.”
“This will be a long legal proceeding. I say to you, I will continue to serve my country. So be it if this is my destiny,” added Duterte. He stressed that, as he promised, he would be accountable for everything that happened, and he would face it. He is putting himself in front of the line to protect his people.
Meanwhile, the detention center of the ICC is a well-equipped facility with amenities and ample space for movement. He will be with Kosovo’s former president Hashim Thaçi (who is facing war crimes charges) and convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic.
He will be in a private cell, complete with his own sink, toilet, bed, desk, and bookshelves. He will also have outdoor access to exercise, use a gym, and be visited by a spiritual adviser. Duterte is also allowed to use a computed for legal research.
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