In the Philippines, a demonstration was held demanding the release of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who was detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte had been arrested on charges of “murder” within the scope of “crimes against humanity.”

The 88th anniversary celebrations of Davao City in the Philippines turned into protests calling for Duterte’s release. Approximately 20,000 people who attended the celebrations marched, chanting slogans demanding Duterte’s release and return to his country.

“WAR ON DRUGS” OPERATIONS
The ICC had decided to investigate crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the “war on drugs” operations carried out by Duterte between 2016 and 2022. However, towards the end of the year, the Philippines examined the same allegations and suspended the investigation claiming that the ICC did not have jurisdiction as the final authority. Following the ICC’s preliminary examination, the Philippines had withdrawn from the court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, on March 17, 2018. The ICC had decided to continue with the investigation on July 18, 2023.