Thousands gather in the southern city of Davao for one of the 200 rallies held in the Philippines and The Hague.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s family and supporters held rallies across the Philippines to mark his 80th birthday, protesting detention in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity in the fatal war on drugs.
Police told AFP on Friday that they blocked a fleet of at least 100 motorcycle riders near the Philippine Presidential Palace in Manila’s capital, and waving a poster that read “I’ll return him home.”
In a city in southern Davao, thousands of former presidents supported the candlelit rally.
“Almost every Filipino loves him and it’s very sad for him right now,” 44-year-old supporter Derby Brah told AFP.
Sara Duterte, the eldest daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been in the Hague since her arrest on March 11, said the support “will make it even more possible to withstand the challenges he faces today.”
Outside the Hague detention center, hundreds gathered on a music-blowing sound system, suspended by Duterte’s call for a release.
“I hope he will return to the Philippines as soon as possible,” organizer Aldwin Villarta said. “I don’t think there’s a case he should answer. I think it’s very unfair that he’s here.”
Duterte’s lead lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, told AFP that his client noticed the events at Davao and Hague.
“He was moved by the huge presence of supporters on this milestone birthday. We will work to ensure he will celebrate future birthdays at their company,” he said in an email.
Duterte faces a six-month wait at the UN Sheveningen prison before appearing in the next scheduled court on September 23.
The court session confirms the charges against him and allows him to challenge the claims.
Duterte says he has been charged with crimes against humanity in his long-standing campaign against drug users and dealers.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has disclosed 181 unspecified items of evidence to the defense.
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