MANILA, Philippines– Vice President Sara Duterte has appealed to Filipinos residing in Australia to persuade their government to support the release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from the International Criminal Court.
On Sunday, Sara Duterte addressed a crowd during the “Free Duterte Now” rally in Melbourne, where she criticized the ICC and urged the attendees to lobby for her father’s release.
She emphasized the importance of Australia’s role as a member of the ICC and asked the Filipino community to influence the country to challenge the detention.
This appeal followed her personal trip to Australia, which she clarified was not a holiday, but rather focused on seeking support for her father’s legal situation.
The ICC previously ruled it had jurisdiction over human rights abuses allegedly committed during Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, leading to his detention.
The rally and Sara Duterte’s comments have ignited discussions among Filipino rights defenders in Australia, some of whom criticized her campaign against the ICC.
Additionally, speculation arose about the possibility of Duterte receiving an interim release to a member country such as Australia while awaiting trial.
The vice president’s visit has drawn mixed reactions from the Filipino community in Australia, with some supporting her efforts and others expressing concern over her stance against the ICC.
Her speech at the rally marked a continued effort to mobilize international support for her father’s case.
