Switzerland to monitor Duterte ICC case 'closely'

Switzerland has affirmed its support for the International Criminal Court as an "important tool" in enforcing international law in the wake of former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest for crimes against humanity.

- Cristina Chi

"This decision [was] done by your government, but [in] the end, I think for the ICC, it's a success," Swiss Ambassador to Manila Nicolas Brühl told reporters at the Swiss Embassy's annual media briefing on Tuesday, April 1.

"The fact that now they have the chance to treat this case, in which direction we will see. But at least international public law (is being used) now, we can work on that," the Swiss diplomat added. "In this sense, [Switzerland] agrees on that."

As a "small" nation that relies on and defends international law, Switzerland views the ICC proceedings as significant. The Swiss government will be monitoring Duterte's case closely as it unfolds, according to Brühl.

"The ICC is an important part, it's an instrument, it's a tool. And now we have this case," the Swiss ambassador said. "For us, as Swiss, and for our government, international public law is extremely important. And in this sense, we will watch that closely, what's going on, in which direction this case will go."