Former Philippine President Duterte arrested on an ICC warrant over drug killings
The Hindu
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) on order of the International Criminal Court in connection with a case of crime against humanity filed against him, the Philippine government said.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's international airport on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) on order of the International Criminal Court in connection with a case of crime against humanity filed against him, the Philippine government said.
Duterte was arrested after arriving from Hong Kong and police took him into custody on orders of the ICC, which has been investigating the mass killings that happened under the former president's deadly crackdown against illegal drugs, President Ferdinand Marcos' office said in a statement.
“Upon his arrival, the prosecutor general served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant to the former president for the crime of crime against humanity,” the government said. “He’s now in the custody of authorities.”
The surprise arrest sparked a commotion at the airport, where lawyers and aides of Duterte loudly protested that they, along with a doctor and lawyers, were prevented from coming close to him after he was taken into police custody. “This is a violation of his constitutional right,” Sen. Bong Go, a close Duterte ally, told reporters.
Duterte's arrest and downfall stunned and drove families of the victims of his bloody crackdowns against illegal drugs to tears.
“This is a big, long-awaited day for justice,” Randy delos Santos, the uncle of a teenager killed by police during an anti-drug operation in August 2017 in the Manila metropolis, told The Associated Press.
“Now we feel that justice is rolling. We hope that top police officials and the hundreds of police officers who were involved in the illegal killings should also be placed in custody and punished,” delos Santos said.
Japan's Trade Minister fails to secure U.S. tariff exemption, sparking concerns over impact on Japanese exports and economy.
Pope Francis' health improves, no longer in imminent danger, but remains hospitalized for further treatment and rehabilitation.
India discusses bilateral relations with Taliban, emphasizing people-to-people ties as foundation of engagement, focusing on humanitarian assistance and development projects.
President Trump supports Elon Musk by purchasing a new Tesla amid protests and stock decline.
Syria's interim government signs deal with Kurdish-led authority, bringing most of the country under central control.
Russian military shoots down 337 Ukrainian drones in largest attack in three years, causing casualties and damage in multiple regions.
Indian Americans favor stronger U.S.-India ties under Kamala Harris, with varying views on foreign policy issues and Modi's leadership.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) on order of the International Criminal Court in connection with a case of crime against humanity filed against him, the Philippine government said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on Monday (March 10, 20225) in Saudi Arabia for a visit with its powerful crown prince ahead of his team’s meeting with America’s top diplomat.
ICE arrests Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University, sparking controversy over alleged ties to Hamas.
Syrian military operation against Assad loyalists completed, sparking concerns about country's future stability and direction.
Ukraine President Zelenskyy seeks peace with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi air-returned due to clogged toilets issue, passengers offered refunds and rescheduling options.