Justice on Trial: Unmasking Duterte's Alleged Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) judges have upheld charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The charges allege that Duterte oversaw lethal anti-drug crackdowns during his time in office, leading to numerous deaths.

A unanimous three-judge panel found substantial grounds to believe that Duterte, both as a mayor and later as president, was behind dozens of murders. According to prosecutors, these acts were carried out by police and hit squads motivated by financial incentives or fear of becoming targets themselves.

Despite waiving his right to appear in court, Duterte vehemently denies the charges. His defense argues the prosecution has selectively used his combative rhetoric. Human rights groups estimate the death toll of Duterte's controversial policy ranges from 6,000 to 30,000. The trial date remains pending as judges recently dismissed a jurisdictional challenge by Duterte's legal team.