What does it mean for the ICC to be a victim? And can justice really be achieved by the victims of EJK?
“What about the victims?” To ask that question, without additional context, is to invite a counter-question: Who are the victims? The country and the world have a terrifying multitude of victims to choose from: victims of cyber fraud, or the Persian Gulf war, flood control corruption, the invasion of Ukraine, or the genocide in Gaza.
In the last week of February, at the International Criminal Court, precious court time was given to the victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called war on drugs.
What does it mean for the ICC to be a victim? And can justice really be achieved by victims of extrajudicial killings or EJKs?
For many Filipinos watching the ICC live, one of the most affecting moments may have been when victims’ lawyer Joel Butuyan, in his opening statement, described Duterte’s ICC case as the victims’ “last boat” before justice.
In this episode of In the Public Square, Rappler columnist John Nery is joined by Joel Butuyan. He is one of the three CLRVs or Common Legal Representatives of Victims appointed in Duterte’s case.
Watch the episode on Wednesday, March 11, at 8 p.m.-Rappler.com
