ICC confirms trial for Duterte over crimes against humanity

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial for crimes against humanity after the International Criminal Court confirmed charges against him related to his deadly "war on drugs" campaign. A three-judge panel at the ICC unanimously approved the charges, finding "substantial grounds to believe" the 81-year-old former leader played a central role in the killings of at least 76 people and attempted murder of two others. The court determined that evidence demonstrates a "common plan" between Duterte and co-authors to kill alleged criminals through violent means including homicide. According to prosecutors, the former president created, funded and armed death squads to target suspected drug dealers and users during his time in power from 2016 to 2022. Despite Duterte's arguments that he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and his assertions that the charges are "an outrageous lie," the ICC found jurisdiction over the case because the alleged crimes occurred between 2011 and 2019 while the Philippines was still a member of the court. The ICC stated that up to 30,000 people may have been murdered during the crackdown, though police figures put the death toll at 6,200 during antidrug operations. Judges rejected claims by Duterte's lawyers that he was unfit to participate in proceedings due to cognitive impairment, citing medical expert opinions. More than 500 victims have been authorized to take part in the proceedings, which could begin within a year. Duterte was arrested at Manila airport last year and transferred to The Hague following a falling out between his daughter Sara and incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The arrest came after the current Philippine administration signaled in November 2024 that it would comply with an eventual arrest warrant, shifting from years of non-cooperation with the ICC. While the trial has been hailed as a historic moment by critics of his crackdown, Duterte retains a fervent base of supporters who have staged protests against his detention.