Why can the ICC arrest Duterte but not Netanyahu?
Despite issuing a warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, he remains free, raising the question: Does justice at the ICC depend on law or politics?
Graphic Artist: Busra Ozturk, Senior Producer: Mirac Tapan / TRT World
Who gets arrested? Who walks free?
- - The ICC prosecutes individuals from countries that signed the Rome Statute.
- - Israel isn’t a signatory, but Palestine is — allowing the ICC to issue a warrant.
- - The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to enforce arrests.
- Justice or double standards?
- - Western countries often block investigations against their allies.
- - Germany, France, and the US refuse to arrest Netanyahu, despite legal obligations.
- - Without enforcement, ICC warrants against powerful leaders remain symbolic.
Does the ICC actually deliver justice?
- - Since 2002, the ICC has issued 60 arrest warrants — only 22 were carried out
- - 40% of cases remain open because suspects are still at large.