AMSTERDAM – The International Criminal Court announced Thursday that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial on three murder charges classified as crimes against humanity.
Court officials determined there are “substantial grounds” to believe the 81-year-old former leader orchestrated the deaths of 76 individuals and attempted murders of two others during his controversial anti-narcotics campaign. Prosecutors allege this broader initiative resulted in thousands of civilian deaths across the Philippines.
“The available evidentiary material shows the existence of a common plan between Mr Duterte and his co-perpetrators to kill alleged criminals in the Philippines, including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production, through violent crimes including murder,” court officials stated.
According to prosecutors, Duterte established, financed, and equipped killing squads specifically to hunt down and eliminate suspected drug dealers and users throughout his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
The former president has consistently maintained that he only authorized police to use lethal force when defending themselves and has repeatedly justified his anti-drug operations.
On Wednesday, appeals court judges rejected an attempt to dismiss Duterte’s case and confirmed the court maintains authority over these proceedings.
Based on previous International Criminal Court cases, trials typically begin within one year after charges are officially confirmed.
