Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court after judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his deadly 'war on drugs', according to multiple reports. Pre-trial judges concluded there were substantial grounds to believe Duterte was responsible for murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity, allegedly committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians during Duterte's presidency and his earlier term as mayor of Davao, according to the ICC prosecution. The trial date has not yet been set.
Duterte was arrested in Manila and flown to The Hague, where he has denied the charges against him, according to reports. Duterte did not appear at pre-trial hearings in February, citing being 'old, tired and frail' and experiencing memory loss, according to Duterte. It is not clear whether Duterte will attend the trial.
If I become president, you will all get wiped out. I will order your execution within 24 hours.
Victims' families expressed elation at the court decision, according to Rise Up for Life and for Rights, representing families of victims. The group said relatives were elated by the court decision, according to the group.
Duterte's defence team argues he is unfit to stand trial due to cognitive decline, according to reports. His lawyers also challenged the court's jurisdiction, a claim that was rejected, according to reports.
The prosecution accused Duterte of being at the heart of brutal anti-drug campaigns in Davao and as president, according to the ICC prosecution. The prosecution argued Duterte wielded ultimate influence and authority, authorizing murder, selecting targets, promising immunity, and giving financial support, according to the ICC prosecution. As many as 30,000 civilians were killed in connection with drug operations, according to past estimates cited by the ICC prosecutor.