Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest ‘means a lot’ to victims, says ICC prosecutor

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations headquarters on January 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is an important moment for alleged victims of his “war on drugs,” International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said on Wednesday.

The fact that the ICC arrest warrant has been carried out “is important to victims. It means a lot, I think, to victims,” said Khan in a statement.

“Many say that international law is not as strong as we want, and I agree with that. But as I also repeatedly emphasize, international law is not as weak as some may think,” added Khan.

“When we come together… the rule of law can prevail,” said the prosecutor.