ICC Labeled a Western Instrument, Says Expert
Duane Dizon expressed to RT that the arrest of the former Philippine president on a Hague court warrant signifies selective justice. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte under a Hague court warrant has been described as an instance of selective justice, according to Duane Dizon in a conversation with RTN.
Dizon, a geopolitical and regional economy expert, asserted that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) actions represent a "weapon of Western influence." Duterte, 79, was apprehended at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday following orders from the ICC. He faces accusations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial 'war on drugs' during his presidency.
In his interview with RTN, Dizon commented that the ICC appears to be “more about asserting clout than accountability.” He noted a recurring pattern wherein the ICC targets leaders from developing nations while allowing powerful Western states to sidestep scrutiny, which he believes could deepen divisions between Southeast Asia and the West.
Human rights advocates have denounced the arrest as unlawful, highlighting that the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 at Duterte’s direction. The ICC contends that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member.
The court initiated a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug policy in 2018. Although Duterte denies any wrongdoing, he has acknowledged that the crackdown was not without fatalities. Official reports suggest that about 6,200 individuals were killed during police operations, though many observers argue the actual number could be significantly higher.
On Sunday, Duterte addressed his supporters, 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 remarks that the former president’s arrest indicates that the ICC exists to “undermine independent leadership,” which may compel other countries to forge stronger ties with non-Western powers such as China and Russia.
Originally established to prosecute serious crimes, the ICC has faced ongoing criticism for its disproportionate focus on developing nations, particularly in Africa, leading many to accuse it of neo-colonialism and selective justice favoring Western interests rather than applying impartial law.
The ICC's authority is further complicated by the absence of major powers like the US, Russia, and China from its jurisdiction.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Dizon, a geopolitical and regional economy expert, asserted that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) actions represent a "weapon of Western influence." Duterte, 79, was apprehended at Manila’s international airport on Tuesday following orders from the ICC. He faces accusations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial 'war on drugs' during his presidency.
In his interview with RTN, Dizon commented that the ICC appears to be “more about asserting clout than accountability.” He noted a recurring pattern wherein the ICC targets leaders from developing nations while allowing powerful Western states to sidestep scrutiny, which he believes could deepen divisions between Southeast Asia and the West.
Human rights advocates have denounced the arrest as unlawful, highlighting that the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 at Duterte’s direction. The ICC contends that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member.
The court initiated a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug policy in 2018. Although Duterte denies any wrongdoing, he has acknowledged that the crackdown was not without fatalities. Official reports suggest that about 6,200 individuals were killed during police operations, though many observers argue the actual number could be significantly higher.
On Sunday, Duterte addressed his supporters, 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 remarks that the former president’s arrest indicates that the ICC exists to “undermine independent leadership,” which may compel other countries to forge stronger ties with non-Western powers such as China and Russia.
Originally established to prosecute serious crimes, the ICC has faced ongoing criticism for its disproportionate focus on developing nations, particularly in Africa, leading many to accuse it of neo-colonialism and selective justice favoring Western interests rather than applying impartial law.
The ICC's authority is further complicated by the absence of major powers like the US, Russia, and China from its jurisdiction.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
