ICC labeled a 'tool of the West' by expert
Duane Dizon spoke to RT about the arrest of the former Philippine president under a Hague court warrant, asserting that it reflects selective justice. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The arrest of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on a warrant from the Hague court highlights what Duane Dizon describes as selective justice, according to an interview he gave to RT.
Dizon, an expert in geopolitical and regional economics, stated that Duterte’s pursuit and arrest under the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant demonstrate the court’s role as a “weapon of Western influence.” Duterte, 79, was apprehended at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday following orders from the ICC, which accuses him of crimes against humanity related to his administration's controversial 'war on drugs.'
While discussing the ICC's actions, Dizon remarked that they are “more about asserting clout than accountability.” He noted a consistent pattern where the ICC appears to target leaders from developing countries while allowing powerful Western nations to operate without restraint, potentially widening the divide between Southeast Asia and the West.
Human rights advocates have criticized the arrest as unlawful, highlighting that the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s leadership. However, the ICC maintains that it can still exercise jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member of the court.
The ICC began a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign in 2018. Although Duterte denies any wrongdoing, he has acknowledged that the crackdown was not without violence. Official reports estimate around 6,200 deaths occurred during police operations, although some observers believe the actual number could be significantly higher.
In a recent message to his supporters, Duterte expressed acceptance of his situation, stating, “if that’s my fate, that’s fine I will accept it. We can’t do anything if I’m arrested or imprisoned.” Dizon suggested that the former president’s arrest demonstrates an effort by the ICC to “undermine independent leadership,” encouraging other countries to strengthen ties with non-Western powers such as China and Russia.
The ICC, established to prosecute serious crimes, has faced ongoing criticism for its perceived disproportionate targeting of developing nations, particularly in Africa. Critics allege that the court operates as a mechanism of neo-colonialism and selective justice that favors Western interests rather than impartial legal standards. Additionally, the court’s legitimacy is questioned due to the absence of major global powers, including the US, Russia, and China, from its jurisdiction.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Dizon, an expert in geopolitical and regional economics, stated that Duterte’s pursuit and arrest under the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant demonstrate the court’s role as a “weapon of Western influence.” Duterte, 79, was apprehended at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday following orders from the ICC, which accuses him of crimes against humanity related to his administration's controversial 'war on drugs.'
While discussing the ICC's actions, Dizon remarked that they are “more about asserting clout than accountability.” He noted a consistent pattern where the ICC appears to target leaders from developing countries while allowing powerful Western nations to operate without restraint, potentially widening the divide between Southeast Asia and the West.
Human rights advocates have criticized the arrest as unlawful, highlighting that the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s leadership. However, the ICC maintains that it can still exercise jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member of the court.
The ICC began a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign in 2018. Although Duterte denies any wrongdoing, he has acknowledged that the crackdown was not without violence. Official reports estimate around 6,200 deaths occurred during police operations, although some observers believe the actual number could be significantly higher.
In a recent message to his supporters, Duterte expressed acceptance of his situation, stating, “if that’s my fate, that’s fine I will accept it. We can’t do anything if I’m arrested or imprisoned.” Dizon suggested that the former president’s arrest demonstrates an effort by the ICC to “undermine independent leadership,” encouraging other countries to strengthen ties with non-Western powers such as China and Russia.
The ICC, established to prosecute serious crimes, has faced ongoing criticism for its perceived disproportionate targeting of developing nations, particularly in Africa. Critics allege that the court operates as a mechanism of neo-colonialism and selective justice that favors Western interests rather than impartial legal standards. Additionally, the court’s legitimacy is questioned due to the absence of major global powers, including the US, Russia, and China, from its jurisdiction.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
