MARCH 12, 2026 — A Japanese researcher has called on the international community to seek the release of former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, raising fresh debate over the ongoing case linked to the former leader’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

During the council’s General Debate, Shunichi Fujiki, a senior researcher from the International Research Institution of Controversial Histories, urged the United Nations to review Duterte’s continued detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

Fujiki described the situation as a “grave injustice,” referring to the former president—now 80 years old—as a leader who fought illegal drugs in the Philippines to protect millions of citizens.

“I stand here to denounce a grave injustice… the 80-year-old former president of the Philippines who bravely fought illegal drugs to protect millions has been unlawfully removed from the homeland and held in prolonged pre-trial detention by the ICC in The Hague,” Fujiki said during the debate.

The Japanese researcher also argued that the case should have first been addressed within the Philippine judicial system before being taken to an international tribunal. According to him, bypassing local courts raises questions about due process and national sovereignty.

“This is a political prosecution and not justice,” he said, claiming that the extradition of Duterte to the ICC occurred without proper legal procedure.

Fujiki further noted that Duterte has been under pre-trial detention for more than a year since March 11, 2025, suggesting that the lengthy detention raises concerns about the court’s own standards regarding humane treatment and the right to a speedy trial.

In his concluding remarks, Fujiki called on the UN body to initiate a humanitarian review and push for Duterte’s immediate release.

“Justice must be fair, not a weapon against the people,” he said, adding that the voices of many Filipinos would continue to be heard.

The remarks come amid ongoing global debate about the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, particularly after the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019 during Duterte’s presidency.

The case continues to divide public opinion both domestically and internationally. Supporters argue that Duterte’s anti-drug campaign was necessary to combat criminal networks, while critics maintain that allegations of human rights violations must be addressed through international accountability.

As legal proceedings move forward and international voices weigh in, a broader question remains: Should cases involving former national leaders be resolved within domestic courts—or do global institutions like the ICC have a crucial role in ensuring accountability beyond borders? (Larawan mula kay: Jigger EVE TV / Facebook)