Rodrigo Duterte’s Arrest: Defiant Words Amidst Allegations of…

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila airport for alleged crimes against humanity, expressing resistance by stating he would rather be killed. His arrest is associated with investigations into extrajudicial executions during his presidency. The ICC issued a warrant for his detention based on these charges, and human rights organizations claim thousands were killed under his administration.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his violent anti-drug campaign, made alarming statements during his recent arrest at Manila’s airport for alleged crimes against humanity. As officials attempted to detain him, Mr. Duterte defiantly proclaimed, “You will just have to kill me. I refuse if you will just ally with the whites,” highlighting his resistance to the authorities.

Duterte was apprehended after returning from a trip to Hong Kong, where he met with Filipino expatriates. Accompanied by his wife, Honeylet Avancena, and daughter, Veronica, he was escorted into a police vehicle shortly after his arrest. The arrest was warranted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as informed by Criminal Investigation and Detention Group head, Major General Nicholas Torres III.

Video footage released by Duterte’s daughter reveals him questioning the legality of his detention, saying, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” He expressed frustration over being held without consent, demanding an explanation for what he termed the “deprivation of liberty.”

The ICC has stated that Duterte is being investigated for thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings carried out during his presidency, a central component of his controversial war on drugs. The arrest is linked to charges of murder classified as crimes against humanity, according to the ICC’s statement.

The arrest warrant claims that Duterte established armed death squads responsible for the killings of supposed drug users and dealers. Following his initial detention, Mr. Duterte was transferred to the Netherlands, entering the custody of the ICC after experiencing a prolonged layover in Dubai for medical evaluations. Human rights organizations estimate that as many as 30,000 individuals may have died under his drug enforcement policies, while police records posit the figure as close to 6,000.

In conclusion, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into his alleged human rights violations during his presidency. His defiant remarks and questions regarding the legality of his detention reflect a contentious relationship with law enforcement. The International Criminal Court’s involvement emphasizes the seriousness of the charges against him, as investigations continue into the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign.

Original Source: www.news.com.au