Duterte arrest 'means a lot' to victims: ICC prosecutor

By AFP
March 13, 2025
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations headquarters on January 27, 2025 in New York City. — AFP
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations headquarters on January 27, 2025 in New York City. — AFP

THE HAGUE: The arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is an important moment for alleged victims of his “war on drugs”, International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said on Wednesday.

The fact the ICC arrest warrant has been carried out “is important to victims. It means a lot, I think, to victims,” said Khan in a statement.

“Many say that international law is not as strong as we want, and I agree with that. But as I also repeatedly emphasise, international law is not as weak as some may think,” added Khan.

“When we come together... the rule of law can prevail,” said the prosecutor.

Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, will face allegations of crimes against humanity for overseeing death squads in his anti-drugs crackdown.