VP Sara Duterte to lead 'Free Duterte Now' rally in The Hague

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte will lead another "Free Duterte Now" rally in The Hague, Netherlands, to demand the release of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over charges of crimes against humanity. The Vice President announced that the rally would take place on Wednesday, July 29, in front of the ICC. She stated that while previous rallies might have been noted by the ICC, this one is "just so we can vent our anger and so the whole world can hear the Filipinos' outrage over what was done to you." Former President Duterte himself questioned the purpose of the rally when informed by his daughter, asking, "Why hold a rally? What for?" Vice President Duterte left the country on July 16 and is expected to stay in The Hague until July 31. Meanwhile, Peter Haynes, the defense counsel for the former president, has indicated that the trial for crimes against humanity at the ICC is not expected to exceed two years, with proceedings scheduled to commence on November 30, subject to a finding of his fitness to stand trial. This development occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny of former President Duterte's non-cooperation with ICC investigations and his contentious relationship with international judicial bodies. The rally is likely to amplify domestic and international discourse surrounding the Philippines' stance on international law and accountability, highlighting the deep divisions within the nation regarding the former president's actions and legal standing. Information Source: Philstar Nation