Philippines’ Ex-President Duterte Arrested and Transferred to The Hague: Lawyer Seeks Asylum
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Arrested and Transferred to The Hague
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague last week.
Lawyer for Duterte’s Family Seeks Asylum in the Netherlands
A lawyer for Rodrigo Duterte, who has been speaking for the family since the former Philippine president’s shock arrest and transfer to The Hague, has announced plans to file for asylum in the Netherlands. Harry Roque, who served two stints as Duterte’s presidential spokesman, left the Philippines in September after being cited for contempt for refusing to attend hearings into offshore gambling sites used as fronts for criminal activities.
Roque to Defend Duterte’s Case
He re-emerged at Duterte’s side last week after the ex-president was flown to the International Criminal Court to face a crimes against humanity charge tied to his bloody crackdown on drugs in which thousands were killed. Roque told a Facebook live press briefing yesterday, "I’m filing formally for asylum here in the Netherlands. I am confident that I can prove political persecution through unjust prosecution."
Roque’s Defense Strategy
Roque, one of five Philippine lawyers currently on the ICC’s "list of counsel" able to represent defendants at the tribunal, has said he expects to be part of the former president’s defence team. That work would also prevent him from returning home, he told reporters. "I cannot come home. I have to defend my president as a member of the list counsel of the ICC at The Hague," he said. He declined to answer if he might return when the case concludes.
Presidential Palace Reacts to Roque’s Asylum Bid
Presidential palace spokesman Claire Castro said today that Roque’s asylum bid would have "no effect on the cases he is facing." "How can there be political persecution if all the pieces of evidence are overwhelming?" she asked, citing documents allegedly tying him to the now-banned gambling sites.
Kaufman Joins Duterte’s Legal Team
Roque’s briefing follows vice-president Sara Duterte announcing that Nicholas Kaufman, a veteran international lawyer, had been added to her father’s legal team. Kaufman has previously represented clients at The Hague, including former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and Aisha Gaddafi, daughter of the deceased Libyan dictator. While the Duterte camp has referred to him as lead counsel, Kaufman told AFP yesterday his role had "yet to be precisely determined."
Conclusion
The arrest and transfer of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague has sparked a series of developments, including the announcement by his lawyer, Harry Roque, that he will file for asylum in the Netherlands. Roque’s plans have been met with skepticism by the presidential palace, which has called into question the validity of his asylum bid. The case is expected to be a complex and high-profile one, with many eyes watching as it unfolds.
FAQs
- What is the International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court is an independent, treaty-based court that investigates and prosecutes individuals for crimes of international concern. - What is the case against Rodrigo Duterte?
Duterte is facing a charges of crimes against humanity related to his bloody crackdown on drugs in the Philippines, in which thousands of people were killed. - What is the significance of Harry Roque’s asylum bid?
Roque’s asylum bid is significant as it highlights the potential political implications of the case and the extent to which Duterte’s allies are willing to go to defend him. - What is the role of Nicholas Kaufman in the case?
Kaufman, a veteran international lawyer, has been added to Duterte’s legal team and has previously represented clients at The Hague, including former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and Aisha Gaddafi, daughter of the deceased Libyan dictator.