During his transfer to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention center, former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters gathered waving national flags and shouting support. Despite being wanted by the ICC for his “war on drugs,” which has resulted in the deaths of thousands without trial, Duterte defended his actions before arriving in the Netherlands.
Message from the ICC to powerful governments worldwide that no global leader is beyond the law, as Duterte becomes the first Asian former head of state to face indictment.

The ICC’s ability to enforce its rulings relies heavily on cooperation from nation-states. Despite this limitation, Duterte’s arrest may be a strong signal against human rights abuses worldwide, serving as a testament to the ICC’s potential impact even in politically charged environments.
As Duterte faces justice, the ICC’s role in balancing international accountability and national sovereignty remains a topic of global discussion.