ICC ‘Under Assault’ by US and Russia, Says Rights Watchdog
MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC), currently handling high-profile global cases including the investigation of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is now facing mounting pressure from two major world powers — the United States and Russia — according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
In a statement released Monday, HRW urged state parties to the Rome Statute to defend the ICC ahead of its annual Assembly of State Parties scheduled from December 1 to 6 at The Hague, Netherlands. The group warned that coordinated political attacks against the ICC could undermine global efforts to hold perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable.
“Fight vs. Impunity”
HRW highlighted that despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC has achieved “important progress,” including actions taken toward the arrest of Duterte earlier this year. However, the watchdog stressed that the court is now “under assault” as several countries seek to impede its work.
The United States has issued sanctions against ICC officials, including asset freezes and entry bans targeting the ICC prosecutor, deputy prosecutors, and several judges. HRW said such measures could discourage financial institutions from cooperating with the court, jeopardizing investigations worldwide.
“Government efforts to undermine the ICC reflect broader attacks on the global rule of law,” said HRW’s international justice director Liz Evenson. “ICC member countries need to stay firm to ensure impartial justice remains central to the rules-based international order.”
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Rising Global Pressure
Beyond Washington, HRW pointed out that Russia has also issued warrants of arrest targeting ICC officials over rulings related to Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Some ICC member states, including Italy, Hungary, and Tajikistan, reportedly failed to cooperate with arrest requests for individuals wanted by the court.
Despite these setbacks, over 80 ICC member states have condemned the US sanctions and reaffirmed their support for the court. HRW said this upcoming session is an opportunity for member states to “show they will not be deterred.”
As challenges mount from powerful nations, all eyes now turn to The Hague — where the ICC faces one of the most significant stress tests in its 22-year history.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro Arrested: A Global Shockwave of Power, Politics, and Plot Twists
Brazil was shaken this week after former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested over an alleged plot to escape house arrest—just hours before a massive rally planned by his supporters. Federal police stormed his home early morning, claiming his ankle monitor was tampered with and that the former leader posed a flight risk.
Bolsonaro, a major political figure and ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has long been at the center of Brazil’s most divisive political storms. Now he faces a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of attempting to overturn the democratic process in 2022.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a name now echoing across
Brazil, ordered the preemptive arrest. According to him, Bolsonaro’s camp was preparing confusion, chaos, and possibly an escape amidst crowds that were expected at a protest led by his son. Bolsonaro denies all wrongdoing.
The arrest triggered mixed reactions—rage from supporters, cheers from critics, and global concern as Brazil enters a tense political moment ahead of its 2026 elections.
Supporters vow to defend him, calling him a “martyr”, while detractors call the arrest proof of “pathetic illegal initiatives.” The political battlefield is heating up, and once again Brazil is showing the world how high-stakes politics looks in real time.
And as we Filipinos know very well—
When courts, politics, and power collide… the truth becomes the battleground.
Kung sa Pilipinas may mga haters ang Agila, sa Brazil may sarili rin silang bersyon.
