A Japanese researcher and representative of the International Career Support Association called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take action regarding the continued detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
During a general debate at the UNHRC headquarters, Shunichi Fujiki described Duterte’s detention as a case of political persecution and urged the international body to examine the situation.
Fujiki criticized the extradition and transfer of Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, saying the process allegedly did not follow due process procedures in the Philippines. He also argued that the move represented a violation of national sovereignty.
In his statement, Fujiki claimed the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was using the case to weaken and remove the political influence of the Duterte family.
Fujiki also noted that Duterte, now 80 years old, has been under detention for more than a year without a formal trial. He said the former president has been experiencing serious health problems while being held at the detention facility.
According to Fujiki, the prolonged pre-trial detention raises questions about compliance with the Rome Statute and the guarantees of humane treatment and a speedy trial. He also pointed out that the ICC has denied Duterte’s request for interim release three times.
The call was echoed by the group Republic Defenders for Peace and Unity, which has organized global rallies highlighting what it described as the misuse of international justice for political purposes.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Philippine government or the ICC regarding Fujiki’s statement at the UNHRC.
