International Criminal Court to Hear Charges Against Ex-President Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Set to Face Hearing on Crimes Against Humanity Charges

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is scheduled to hold a four-day hearing to determine whether former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial for crimes against humanity. The hearing, which will begin at 09:00 GMT on Monday, will assess the evidence against Duterte and decide whether there is sufficient proof to proceed with a formal trial.

Duterte, who was president from 2016 to 2022, has been charged with three counts of crimes against humanity related to his antidrug crackdown. The ICC alleges that he was involved in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. Duterte denies the charges, stating that he does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

The hearing marks a significant development in the case, which has been met with varying reactions from human rights groups and families of victims. Human Rights Watch described the hearing as “a critical step in ensuring justice for victims of the Philippines’ ‘war on drugs’”.

Families of victims have expressed hope that the ICC will hold those responsible accountable. Luzviminda Siapo, whose 19-year-old son was killed during the crackdown, stated that she hoped other perpetrators would also be brought to justice. Llore Pasco, mother of two men who were killed in 2017, described the hearing as “the moment of truth”.

Duterte will not attend the hearing due to a defence request to waive his right to appear. The ICC has granted this request despite judges ruling that he was fit to take part.

Following the hearing, the judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision. The case is seen as a reversal of fortune for Duterte, who has previously criticized the ICC.

The Philippines left the ICC in 2019, but the court has ruled that it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed there between 2011 and 2019.

Source: Al Jazeera