THE UPCOMING trial of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) will be important to prove the effectiveness of international law, the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila said.
“As Swiss and for our government, international public law is extremely important and, in this sense, we will watch (the proceedings) closely, what’s going on, and in which direction this case will go.” Swiss Ambassador to Manila Nicolas Brühl told reporters in a briefing late Tuesday.
He added that the ICC remains an “important” instrument or tool in enforcing international laws.
“The ICC is an important part, it’s an instrument, it’s a tool. And now we have this case,” Mr. Brühl said that Mr. Duterte’s upcoming trial could be proof of the effectiveness of the international tribunal in defending human rights.
“This decision was done by (your) government, but in the end, I think for the ICC, it’s a success,” he added.
Local police arrested Mr. Duterte after the ICC ordered his arrest and sought the help of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). He was arrested for his alleged crimes against humanity.
The international tribunal has been looking into allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings from the ex-president’s war on drugs.
The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23. — Adrian H. Halili
