Duterte arrested in The Hague for alleged crimes

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's airport on March 12, 2025, under a secret warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. He was taken to The Hague after a 12-hour standoff. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 23 to assess the strength of the prosecution's evidence. If convicted, Duterte could face life imprisonment. This arrest marks a significant development for the ICC, which has faced challenges in securing arrests of high-profile figures. Duterte's arrest reflects a shift in political dynamics in the Philippines, as his former allies have distanced themselves. The ICC's case against him has been in progress since 2018, highlighting both the court's achievements and its limitations in enforcing justice.