The Hague

The International Criminal Court’s member states voted 82-13 to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after a UN investigation found he committed serious misconduct and sexual assault against a female aide. Khan denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated. The vote, held at UN headquarters in New York, was unprecedented and deepened divisions within the ICC. Israel and the U.S. welcomed the removal, while the arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu remains in effect. A successor will be elected later.

12 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:09 PM UTC

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy intends to increase its defence spending to 5% of its GDP within a decade, up from the current level of just over 2%. The statement was made during a joint session of the foreign affairs and defence committees of the Italian parliament. Tajani confirmed Italy's commitment to the NATO agreement reached at the previous year's summit in The Hague, which set a target of 5% of GDP for defence spending by 2035, with 3.5% allocated to core defence and 1.5% to related objectives like critical infrastructure and civil defence. According to NATO estimates, Italian defence spending was 2.09% of GDP in 2025 and 2.10% in 2026. The announcement follows the recent NATO summit held on 7-8 July in Ankara.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:14 AM UTC

On May 11, 2026, Philippine Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa evaded National Bureau of Investigation agents attempting to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for crimes against humanity linked to the drug war. Seeking refuge in the Senate plenary hall, he cast a decisive vote installing Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President. Cayetano subsequently ordered a lockdown, placing Dela Rosa under protective custody and refusing arrest without a local court order. This incident highlights intense political friction between the Duterte faction and the Marcos administration, coinciding with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.

45 reports · 16 sources · Updated May 25, 09:10 AM UTC

The European Union and 36 additional countries have formally committed to establishing a Special Tribunal for Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine. Announced by the Council of Europe, this initiative aims to prosecute Russian leadership for initiating the invasion, addressing a jurisdictional gap in the International Criminal Court. While major European nations will finance the court, potentially located in The Hague, several states including Hungary and Turkey declined to join. This multilateral effort marks a significant step toward legal accountability for violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

15 reports · 11 sources · Updated May 16, 09:36 AM UTC

Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has firmly stated that Russian-occupied Ukrainian children must be returned unconditionally and cannot be included in any prisoner exchange lists. In an interview with Ukrinform, Betsa emphasized that treating children as bargaining chips is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of humanitarian principles. She accused Russia of attempting to leverage the return of children to secure the release of individuals labeled as traitors by Kyiv. Betsa highlighted that international organizations have classified the abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children as war crimes and crimes against humanity. She underscored the urgent need for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, headquartered in The Hague, to ensure accountability for Russian leadership. Betsa described the issue as a 'red line' for the Ukrainian government, asserting that no just peace is possible without holding authoritarian regimes accountable for such violations. The statement reinforces Ukraine's diplomatic stance that the return of children is a non-negotiable humanitarian imperative, distinct from military or political negotiations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thirty-six countries, predominantly European, have signed a resolution during the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers' meeting to establish a special tribunal for trying Russian President Vladimir Putin for aggression against Ukraine. Scheduled to operate in The Hague under the Council of Europe's coordination, the tribunal aims to address jurisdictional gaps left by the International Criminal Court. The initiative was formalized on May 15, 2026, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga describing it as a historic point of no return for legal accountability. Signatories include most EU members, though Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, and Slovakia abstained, alongside non-European nations Australia and Costa Rica. The European Union has pledged 10 million euros, while Secretary General Alain Berset urged rapid legislative finalization. The tribunal will be supported by a Claims Register and an International Commission for Compensation Claims to assist victims. Concerns regarding funding persist due to the lack of US involvement under the Trump administration, which has previously pursued peace deals potentially involving amnesty. This move marks a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian leadership accountable for war crimes and aggression.

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Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, announced that the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is expected to begin operations as early as 2027. This development follows a historic decision to establish a dedicated legal mechanism for holding Russia accountable for launching the war. Mudra described the tribunal as the first separate accountability mechanism for aggression since the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials, overcoming significant legal and political hurdles. The next phase involves setting up the tribunal in The Hague, which includes appointing judges, approving procedural rules, and initiating investigations. Mudra emphasized that this instrument aims to ensure personal accountability for the individuals responsible for deciding to launch the war against Ukraine. She highlighted the persistent efforts of Ukrainian lawyers, diplomats, and lawmakers who faced considerable resistance during lengthy negotiations but ultimately secured a viable legal pathway. The announcement marks a significant milestone in international justice efforts regarding the conflict, signaling a move from diplomatic discussions to concrete judicial preparations.

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Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has concluded a significant tour of the Caribbean by announcing the establishment of an annual 'kingdom conference.' This initiative aims to foster equal consultation between The Hague and the governments of the Netherlands' three autonomous Caribbean countries: Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. Jetten described the move as a 'fresh start' in relations, addressing longstanding tensions exacerbated by previous administrations. The conferences will feature concrete agendas focused on critical issues such as poverty, climate change, and discrimination, which disproportionately affect the Caribbean territories. During the visit, Jetten also acknowledged mishandling of a recent UN resolution on slavery, admitting the cabinet should have consulted Caribbean leaders before abstaining. Additionally, he visited the special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, where residents face significantly higher poverty rates and structural disadvantages compared to the European Netherlands. The trip follows a court ruling that the government discriminated against Bonaire residents by failing to create a climate plan. Jetten emphasized the need for tangible improvements in citizens' lives to rebuild trust after years of difficult political relations.

1 reports · 1 sources

The International Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague has rejected an urgent application for the provisional release of Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić. His legal team had argued for his dismissal from custody on health grounds, claiming his condition had deteriorated sharply and requesting transfer to Serbia for treatment. However, the court determined that Mladić’s medical care within the UN detention unit in The Hague is adequately secured. Mladić, who was arrested in 2011 after sixteen years on the run, is serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. His conviction, particularly regarding the 1995 Srebrenica massacre where approximately 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed, was confirmed in 2021. As the supreme commander of Bosnian Serb forces during the Balkan War, he was also held responsible for the siege of Sarajevo. Despite maintaining his innocence, Mladić will remain in custody as the court found no basis for early release due to health reasons. This decision underscores the continued enforcement of international justice rulings against high-profile figures from the Yugoslav conflicts.

1 reports · 1 sources

This opinion piece analyzes the growing acceptance of political violence in the Netherlands, linking it to the rhetoric of Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom (PVV). The author observes a common narrative in Dutch media where right-wing commentators express sympathy for violent acts, framing them as desperate responses to perceived political failure in The Hague. Wilders is identified as the primary driver of this sentiment, consistently using metaphors of 'cleaning' or 'spring cleaning' to describe his political agenda, which implicitly targets non-Dutch populations. The article cites specific instances, including Wilders' response to graffiti on Dam Square and his 2016 declaration of making a 'clean sweep' following a discrimination conviction. Despite condemning violence verbally, Wilders is criticized for never explicitly denouncing right-wing extremist incidents, such as recent unrest in Loosdrecht. Instead, he supports figures involved in discriminatory acts, like a fishmonger who refused service to a woman in a niqab. The author argues that Wilders manufactures the ideological ammunition used by supporters to justify taking the law into their own hands, thereby fostering an environment where xenophobic resistance is increasingly normalized.

1 reports · 1 sources

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague has rejected a request for the early release of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic. IRMCT President Graciela Gatti Santana ruled that there were no compelling or exceptional circumstances justifying his transfer to Serbia for medical treatment. The decision, supported by the majority of consulted judges, affirmed that Mladic is receiving adequate medical care within international standards at a sophisticated prison hospital in The Hague. Judges emphasized that his detention conditions are not inhuman or degrading and noted that transferring him could pose additional health risks due to interrupted treatment continuity. Although Mladic is in the final stages of life, the court determined that his serious health condition alone does not warrant release. Judge Nyambe provided a dissenting opinion, arguing for release based on Mladic's terminal prognosis and need for family contact. The defense had previously filed an urgent request citing humanitarian reasons and irreversible health deterioration, but the court maintained that current facilities provide the best possible care for his comfort and treatment needs.

1 reports · 1 sources

A United Nations war crimes court has officially rejected a request for the early release of Ratko Mladic, an 84-year-old Bosnian Serb general serving a life sentence for genocide and crimes against humanity. Mladic had petitioned for release on humanitarian grounds, citing his deteriorating health and describing his condition as one of advanced, irreversible medical decline. While the court acknowledged that Mladic is in the final stages of his life and his situation is dire, it ruled that the detention conditions in The Hague ensure his maximum comfort. The judges concluded that his imprisonment does not exacerbate his health issues and that no additional medical treatment available elsewhere is inaccessible in the Netherlands. Mladic, who suffers from cognitive impairments and has been hospitalized frequently, continues to receive comprehensive care from qualified medical and prison staff. He was convicted for his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian War, specifically for leading forces responsible for the siege of Sarajevo and the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed. This ruling confirms he will remain in custody despite his failing health.

1 reports · 1 sources

A United Nations court has rejected a request for the early release of Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia.' Although Judge Graciela Gatti Santana acknowledged that the 84-year-old is in the final stages of his life following a suspected stroke, she ruled that prison conditions in The Hague provide high-quality medical care and maximum comfort. The defense had argued for his transfer to a Serbian-speaking hospice, citing a high risk of imminent death and support from the Serbian government. However, the judge stated that no additional treatment is available elsewhere that is not already provided in the Netherlands. Mladić, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed during the 1992-95 Yugoslav wars, remains detained. His conviction was upheld on appeal in 2021. Victim groups strongly oppose his release, viewing the request as a legal tactic rather than a humanitarian necessity. The ruling emphasizes the comprehensive care Mladić receives, including frequent family visitation rights.

1 reports · 1 sources

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has officially rejected a request for the early release of former Bosnian Serb army commander General Ratko Mladic, citing health reasons. The ruling, delivered by Court President Graciela Gatti Santana, determined that Mladic’s current confinement in the hospital wing of the UN detention facility in The Hague is neither inhumane nor degrading. The court emphasized that the general is receiving comprehensive medical care that aligns with international standards. Mladic has been hospitalized since 2024, receiving palliative care and remaining bedridden for the past eighteen months. This decision follows a previous rejection of a similar request in 2025. The latest urgent appeal was filed by his defense team on April 24, shortly after his son reported that Mladic had suffered a stroke. The defense had sought his transfer to Serbia for specialized treatment due to his deteriorating condition. However, the IRMCT maintained that the supervision and medical provisions within the detention center are sufficient, thereby denying the bid for freedom despite the severity of his health issues.

1 reports · 1 sources

A United Nations war crimes court has officially denied a request for the early release of Ratko Mladic, the 84-year-old former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity. Mladic, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian War, had petitioned for release on humanitarian grounds, citing his deteriorating health and describing his condition as one of advanced, irreversible medical decline. While the court acknowledged that Mladic is in the final stages of his life and described his situation as dire, it ruled that his detention conditions in The Hague ensure his maximum comfort and do not exacerbate his health issues. The judges concluded that no additional medical treatment is available elsewhere that is not already provided by qualified staff in the Netherlands. Mladic was previously found guilty of overseeing the Srebrenica massacre, where more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed, and for terrorizing civilians in Sarajevo. He remains incarcerated in the UN detention unit, continuing to receive comprehensive medical care despite his cognitive impairments and recent hospitalizations.

1 reports · 1 sources

The UN’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague has rejected a humanitarian release request for Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military chief serving a life sentence for genocide and other wartime crimes. Although IRMCT President Graciela Gatti Santana acknowledged that Mladic’s health is very serious, deteriorating, and approaching death following a recent stroke, she ruled that he receives high-quality medical care within the UN Detention Unit. The decision emphasizes that no additional treatment is available elsewhere in the Netherlands and that his detention conditions do not amount to inhuman or undignified treatment. Mladic’s lawyers had argued for his transfer to a specialized hospice due to irreversible medical decline. However, the court noted he benefits from an exceptional visitation regime, allowing frequent contact with family, including during his final moments. Mladic was convicted in June 2021 for the Srebrenica genocide, persecution of Bosniaks and Croats, the siege of Sarajevo, and taking UN peacekeepers hostage during the 1992-95 Bosnian War.

1 reports · 1 sources

This Al Jazeera analysis explores the limitations of international law in preventing mass atrocities and holding powerful entities accountable. While international courts, particularly those based in The Hague, are designed to uphold the conscience of humanity, the article argues that legal interventions typically occur only after conflicts have already devastated communities. The piece questions whether current legal frameworks are sufficient to confront global militarism and protect civilians before disasters strike. It serves as an introduction to the second episode of 'All Hail the Military,' a five-part series hosted by Ali Rae. The series investigates the underlying systems, power dynamics, and hidden complicities that sustain militarism worldwide. By examining the gap between theoretical legal accountability and practical prevention, the article highlights the profound impact of unchecked military power on global populations. It suggests that relying solely on post-conflict legal battles is inadequate for true justice and peace, urging a deeper understanding of the structures that enable violence.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a Filipino senator and former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violations, escaped from the Philippine Senate building following a night of chaos. Dela Rosa, who had been hiding since November, sought refuge in the Senate after being granted parliamentary protection by newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. On Wednesday evening, gunshots erupted within the legislative complex, causing panic among journalists and staff, though no injuries were reported. While authorities denied using force, speculation arose that the shooting was a diversion to facilitate Dela Rosa’s escape. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) suggested the incident may have been staged. Dela Rosa is a central figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. This event occurs amidst significant political turmoil, including the custody of Duterte in The Hague and ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The escape highlights deepening political fractures and concerns regarding impunity for alleged state-sponsored crimes in the Philippines.

1 reports · 1 sources

Chaos engulfed the Philippines’ Senate on Wednesday night following gunshots fired within its premises, where Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was hiding to evade arrest. Police identified a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) driver as the suspect in the shooting. Dela Rosa, a former police chief and key enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. He had claimed his arrest by NBI and police operatives was imminent and appealed to supporters for help. Although President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied ordering the arrest, tensions remain high amid a political rift with the Duterte dynasty. The Senate, led by a Duterte ally, granted Dela Rosa protective custody before he escaped early Thursday. This incident occurs months after Duterte’s own arrest and detention in The Hague. Dela Rosa has not appeared publicly in months and has sought Supreme Court intervention to block the ICC warrant, maintaining his innocence regarding the thousands of deaths linked to the national anti-drug campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a prominent ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and a key figure in the country's controversial war on drugs, has fled to avoid arrest under an warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The escape occurred amidst significant chaos at the Philippine Senate, where dela Rosa had been holed up. Tensions escalated dramatically when shots were fired within the building, creating a volatile security situation that facilitated his departure. The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte's anti-drug campaign, with dela Rosa facing specific charges for his role as the former national police chief. This incident highlights the growing friction between the Philippine government and international judicial bodies, as well as the intense domestic political turmoil surrounding accountability for past human rights violations. The event underscores the challenges faced by international legal mechanisms in enforcing warrants against high-profile political figures who retain significant local support and influence. The shooting incident at the Senate further complicates the political landscape, raising concerns about stability and the rule of law in the Philippines.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, a former police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, has fled the Senate building in Manila where he had taken refuge. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that dela Rosa was no longer on the premises following a chaotic incident involving gunfire and heavy police presence. The escape occurred amidst tensions after the ICC unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa for his role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs. Duterte is currently in ICC custody in The Hague. Dela Rosa had previously stated he would exhaust legal remedies to avoid transfer, citing concerns over detention conditions. The situation escalated when shots were fired at the Senate, leading to the arrest of one individual and an emergency meeting convened by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with security chiefs. While dela Rosa’s lawyer initially claimed the senator planned to stay, independent sources confirmed his early morning escape. This development marks a significant escalation in the Philippines' confrontation with international judicial authorities regarding human rights violations committed during the previous administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Dutch cabinet's plan to accelerate the increase of the state pension age has been declared politically dead following strong opposition from major trade unions. Union leaders issued an ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the proposal and related cuts to disability and unemployment benefits, threatening strikes otherwise. Consequently, the coalition government is exploring alternative fiscal measures to address rising social security costs driven by an aging population. A primary alternative under consideration is the further taxation of state pensions (AOW). Currently, AOW is partly funded by premiums from workers, but experts recommend increasing the tax burden on pensioners to distribute costs more equally. This shift would particularly impact wealthier retirees with supplementary pensions, potentially generating over 5 billion euros annually by 2040. The Budget Space Study Group has long advised this approach to align pensioner contributions with those of working individuals. While the accelerated age hike is abandoned, negotiations continue regarding other social security reforms, with the Ministry of Social Affairs preparing a new proposal to bring employers and employees back to the negotiating table.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine authorities are investigating unconfirmed reports that Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly anti-drug crackdown, has secretly fled the Senate building. Presidential communications undersecretary Clare Castro stated that while sources indicate the senator left the heavily guarded premises undetected before dawn, official confirmation of his whereabouts is still pending. No arrest operations have been launched yet. The situation follows days of tension after dela Rosa evaded initial arrest attempts and took refuge in the Senate, protected by allies. Chaos escalated when gunshots were fired inside the Senate, prompting an ongoing investigation. President Ferdinand Marcos denied government involvement in the shooting, suggesting it might be an attempt to destabilize the administration. Police have detained one individual in connection with the incident, while interior officials claimed security forces fired warning shots at unknown armed men. Dela Rosa, a former police chief under Duterte, is named as a co-perpetrator in the ICC case regarding thousands of killings during the drug war.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has fled the Senate complex in Manila following a chaotic incident involving gunfire. Dela Rosa had been holed up in the chamber since Monday to evade an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to his role in the previous administration's drug war. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Dela Rosa's departure early Thursday, describing it as occurring in the 'fog of war.' The escape follows shots fired within the Senate building on Wednesday night, which caused panic among journalists and staff but resulted in no injuries. Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms fired the shots, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied government involvement. This escalation highlights the deepening political rift between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, coinciding with economic struggles and public anger over fund misuse. The incident marks a significant low point for Philippine democratic institutions, with unaligned senators condemning the transformation of the legislative hall into a 'shooting range.'

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An investigative report by NRC Handelsblad reveals that private investigators were employed to surveil and harass the woman who accused International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of sexual abuse. The allegations against Khan have been circulating within the ICC in The Hague for several months, creating significant turmoil within the institution. Editors Lineke Nieber and Romy van der Poel uncovered that the accuser was specifically targeted by these detectives, leading to a severe breach of her privacy. Their investigation found that sensitive personal data, including her passport details, flight itineraries, and private passwords, had been leaked and made publicly available. This systematic hunting of the accuser highlights the intense pressure and potential intimidation tactics used in response to the serious misconduct allegations against one of the world's most prominent legal figures. The report underscores the vulnerability of victims coming forward with such claims against high-ranking international officials and raises critical questions about accountability and protection mechanisms within global judicial bodies.

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Private intelligence agencies based in London, specifically Highgate Advisory and Elicius Intelligence, have conducted a covert surveillance operation against employees of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Initiated in spring 2024, the investigation primarily targets a senior female lawyer who accused ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of sexual abuse. Agents employed intrusive methods, including harvesting stolen data like passwords and passport details, monitoring family backgrounds, and scrutinizing religious origins and ties to Israel. The operation involves former agents from US and UK law enforcement agencies who use encrypted communication and deceptive tactics to gather sensitive personal information on ICC staff and their relatives. This scandal highlights the unregulated nature of the private intelligence industry in Europe, where firms often operate under the guise of strategic consultancies while engaging in smear campaigns and illegal data collection. The revelations, based on recordings and documents obtained by NRC Handelsblad, expose significant privacy violations and ethical breaches within the international legal community, raising concerns about the integrity of judicial institutions and the safety of their personnel.

1 reports · 1 sources

Peter Haynes, former president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Bar Association, has been appointed as the new legal counsel for Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. This development follows the withdrawal of previous attorney Nicholas Kaufman, who informed the ICC that Duterte had released him from representation and expressed a desire to hire Haynes. Kaufman confirmed that Haynes is ready to assume immediate representation and has agreed to the terms of engagement, including attendance at the upcoming 2026 status conference. The selection of Haynes was led by Duterte’s wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Veronica. Duterte is currently imprisoned in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity and treason related to his administration's war on illegal drugs. Haynes brings extensive experience in criminal and humanitarian law, notably representing Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was acquitted of similar charges in 2018. This appointment marks a significant shift in the legal defense strategy for the former president as proceedings continue at the international court.

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This editorial from SunStar Philippines highlights how intense political developments involving the Duterte family and their allies are diverting public attention from other critical governance issues, specifically anomalies in flood control projects. The article details the sudden return of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa to the Senate after six months in hiding, coinciding with a leadership reshuffle that replaced Senator Vicente Sotto III with Alan Peter Cayetano. Dela Rosa refuses to surrender to authorities despite an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, retracting his previous willingness to join former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV warns that Senator Bong Go may be the ICC's next target. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment proceedings. The editorial argues that these high-profile political battles and legal threats are overshadowing the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation into corrupt flood control infrastructure projects. Senator Panfilo Lacson assures the public that this investigation will continue despite the changing political landscape. The piece urges citizens not to forget the misappropriation of public funds for infrastructure while political figures evade international warrants and fight domestic legal battles.

1 reports · 1 sources

Philippine police have detained a suspect following a shooting incident inside the Senate building, where Senator Ronald Dela Rosa was taking refuge. The event occurred while Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and key figure in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war, sought to avoid arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. According to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, senate security fired warning shots at unknown armed men who entered the stairway, prompting the gunmen to fire into the air before fleeing. No casualties were reported during the confrontation. The detained individual was arrested on the second floor of the Senate, and live ammunition was seized from him as authorities conducted gunshot residue tests. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the number of involved suspects. This incident highlights the heightened tensions surrounding Dela Rosa’s legal battles, following the recent arrest and transfer of his former boss, Rodrigo Duterte, to The Hague. The shooting underscores the volatile political climate in the Philippines as it grapples with international judicial pressures regarding past human rights violations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention centre in The Hague, awaiting trial on crimes against humanity charges related to his controversial war on drugs. A rare report provides an inside look at the facility, describing Duterte’s living conditions, which include a 9-square-meter cell, one hour of daily outdoor exercise on a tennis court, and a weekly budget of €25 for personal treats. The centre also houses other high-profile international detainees, such as Ratko Mladic and Libyan suspect Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri. Unlike traditional prisons, the facility emphasizes routine and rehabilitation over punishment, offering inmates access to a gym, library, cooking facilities, and legal preparation tools. Security is present but understated, with no machine guns visible, aiming to maintain a calm environment while ensuring strict house rules. Detainees are locked in their cells during specific hours but otherwise engage in voluntary activities, including sports and educational classes. The report highlights the unique nature of this pre-trial detention environment, which accommodates individuals accused by various international courts, including potential future detainees like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

1 reports · 1 sources