Duterte Accused of Crimes Against Humanity Appears in International Criminal Court for the First Time

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the first time through a video call today (March 14th). Duterte faces charges of committing crimes against humanity for launching a deadly war on drugs during his tenure in the Philippines.

At the age of 79, Duterte is the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the International Criminal Court. During a brief hearing today, he participated via video call to listen to the charges against him and his rights as a defendant.

Having served as the mayor of Davao City in the southern Philippines for many years, Duterte was known as “The Punisher” for his tough policies.

Duterte initiated the war on drugs during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. In the months following his inauguration on June 30, 2016, the Philippine police had already slain over 2,000 individuals, with most deaths characterized as “shootouts.”

Human rights observers argue that many of these cases were carried out by government-sanctioned vigilantes, and the actual death toll far exceeds official figures. The Philippine government, however, denies both accusations.

Upon Duterte’s retirement in 2022, the official death toll from the war on drugs had doubled compared to his first year in office. The Philippine police reported that 6,200 suspects were killed in anti-drug operations, while the government officially acknowledged 6,248 deaths.

Nevertheless, human rights advocates point out that the actual death toll surpasses official data significantly, with thousands of impoverished drug users in cities being killed under unclear circumstances, many of whom had been included in the government’s “watchlists.”

(Reproduced from CNA)