Ex-Philippine president Duterte to stand trial at ICC over deadly ‘war on drugs’

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces a landmark ICC trial after judges confirm crimes against humanity charges over his deadly anti-drugs campaign. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Ex-Philippine president Duterte to stand trial at ICC over deadly ‘war on drugs’

Contesto

THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, clearing the way for a historic trial over the thousands of killings that marked his bloody “war on drugs.” Judges ruled there were reasonable grounds to believe Duterte bore criminal responsibility for the murders and attempted murders committed between 2011 and 2019, first as mayor of Davao City and later as president. The decision marks the first time a former Philippine head of state will stand trial at the ICC, and it represents a major test of the court’s ability to pursue justice against powerful political figures. Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, has repeatedly denied authorizing extrajudicial killings, though he has also boasted of ordering police to shoot drug suspects dead. Human rights groups estimate that more than 12,000 people were killed during the anti-drug campaign, mostly poor urban residents. The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor had been investigating the crackdown since 2018, but the probe was suspended for years after Manila withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. Thursday’s confirmation of charges brings the case to a crucial juncture. The trial is expected to examine not only Duterte’s direct orders but also the system of impunity that allowed police and vigilantes to carry out killings with little accountability. Legal experts say the case will hinge on whether prosecutors can prove Duterte’s speeches and directives amounted to a state policy of extrajudicial execution. The ICC’s move comes amid mounting political pressure on the court from various quarters. Some nations have accused it of targeting non-Western leaders, while others have questioned its effectiveness. Duterte’s trial will be closely watched as a gauge of whether the court can withstand such criticism and deliver accountability in one of the most notorious state-sponsored violence campaigns of the 21st century. Duterte remains in the Philippines, where he has maintained a loyal political following. His legal team has vowed to fight the charges, arguing that the ICC has no jurisdiction because the...

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Categoria: cronaca