ICC is a Western tool targeting Global South leaders, says commentator
Quick Look
- Political commentator Khonya Mathonsi told RT that the International Criminal Court serves as a tool for Western countries to target leaders in the Global South, citing the ICC hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over his anti-drug campaign.
- Mathonsi argued the court disproportionately pursues figures from Africa and Asia while Western leaders face no accountability, and suggested Global South nations consider creating an alternative international legal body within or alongside BRICS.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The International Criminal Court is prosecuting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. Duterte was arrested in March 2025 and transferred to ICC custody in the Netherlands. He denies ordering killings outside self-defense and challenges the court's jurisdiction based on the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has served as a “tool” for Western countries to target leaders in the Global South who challenge them, political commentator and Behind the News Network editor Khonya Mathonsi has told RT.
Mathonsi was commenting on Wednesday’s ICC hearing for former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, the 81-year-old’s first public appearance in more than a year. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity over killings linked to his anti-drug campaign.
He said the court disproportionately pursued figures from Africa and Asia while largely leaving Western countries untouched.
“The ICC was mostly [formed] to silence their opponents,” he said, adding that “it was used as a tool” against people viewed as anti-Western, particularly in the Global South.
Duterte was arrested at Manila airport in March 2025 and transferred to ICC custody in the Netherlands. He has defended his anti-drug campaign, saying he only ordered police to kill in self-defense. His lawyers have challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. The court maintains that it can prosecute alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.
On Wednesday, the ICC said Duterte “shall continue to be detained,” citing an increased risk that he could flee or interfere with witnesses and court proceedings.
Mathonsi said Duterte had criticized the US and other Western governments and sought to run the Philippines without following their wishes.
“This is his punishment,” he said, accusing the West of using financial pressure and sanctions against those who challenge it.
“The real issue here is that the West don’t see themselves standing in front of the judges,” he said, adding that there is “zero accountability” for Western countries.
He said Global South countries should consider establishing an alternative body to uphold international law, suggesting that such an institution could be developed within or alongside BRICS.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Global South nations will increase discussions about creating an alternative international legal body within or alongside BRICS
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the ICC proceed with trial despite Duterte's jurisdictional challenges?
- How will other Global South nations respond to the call for an alternative international legal body?
- What impact will this case have on perceptions of ICC impartiality in future prosecutions?
