24/03/2025
PLS. Read po...
THE MOST FAMOUS PRISONER (RODRIGO DUTERTE)
COMMENTARY | Since the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in July 2002, no other inmate has inspired millions of supporters from around the world to hold massive rallies and demonstrations during their trial - even outside the court in the Hague...until now.
In 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya was indicted for crimes against humanity during the 2007–2008 post-election violence in Kenya. During his ICC trial, hundreds of Kenyans protested outside the court and in Nairobi. Demonstrators waved Kenyan flags and banners claiming the charges were politically motivated. Many viewed the prosecution as an attack on Kenyan sovereignty. The charges were dropped in 2014 due to lack of evidence.
In 2016, Laurent Gbagbo, the former President of Ivory Coast who was charged with crimes against humanity during the 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis. During his ICC trial, massive pro-Gbagbo protests erupted outside the court. His supporters claimed the charges were politically motivated and chanted for his release. Gbagbo was acquitted one year later due to insufficient evidence, sparking celebrations.
In 2018, Jean-Pierre Bemba, the former vice president of the Democratic Republic of Congo who was accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic from 2002–2003. During his trial, large demonstrations occurred outside the ICC, with supporters calling for his release. Protesters viewed him as a victim of political persecution. Bemba was later acquitted by the court, leading to celebratory rallies in Congo.
Today, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former president of the Republic of the Philippines was arrested, detained and extradited to the Hague in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity allegedly committed for the period 2011-2019. According to his lawyers, he was illegally arrested and kidnapped but since his arrival at the ICC detention facility a week ago, massive prayer rallies, motorcades, protest marches and peaceful demonstrations calling for his release - were held across the Philippines and from all around the globe even outside the court in the Hague.
He will earn the recognition of being the most famous detainee in the history of the ICC and around the world. Perhaps, he will be soon be acquitted and sent back home.
Source/photo: Ching Lu-ctto
