Rodrigo Duterte faces international court for drug war murders

In the Netherlands, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made an appearance via video link at the International Criminal Court following his arrest in Manila on charges linked to his controversial 'war on drugs.' This appearance occurred amidst heightened scrutiny regarding the estimated 6,000 to 30,000 fatalities resulting from law enforcement actions during his administration, raising concerns about human rights violations. His lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, claimed Duterte's arrest constituted a political kidnapping, suggesting that it was part of a strategy to undermine Duterte's legacy by the current Philippine administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The ICC has charged Duterte as an indirect co-perpetrator in numerous murders, categorizing these as crimes against humanity. The judges have established that they hold jurisdiction over these charges because the alleged crimes were committed while the Philippines was still a member of the court, prior to Duterte's withdrawal in 2019. Rights groups and victims' families view his arrest and court appearance as a significant milestone in their pursuit of justice, celebrating it as a victory against state impunity despite the ongoing political debates surrounding the ICC's legitimacy in the Philippines. During the video hearing, presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc confirmed Duterte was acknowledged as having the necessary mental awareness to participate, despite claims about his health by his legal team. Although no plea was entered, the hearing aimed to outline preliminary matters, including establishing whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant a full trial. Following the incident, demonstrators in Manila called for accountability for thousands of individuals killed throughout the violent anti-drug campaign. Duterte’s 'war on drugs,' which he initiated while mayor of Davao City and later expanded during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, involved the engagement of police forces and supposed vigilantes who committed extrajudicial killings. Activists exposed systemic state violence that unfolded under Duterte's leadership, creating a climate of fear and repression, which continues to reverberate in the country. His trial is anticipated to extend for months or years, but observers consider this event a critical juncture that may influence future legal accountability for leaders who perpetrate similar acts.