ICC judges say there are substantial grounds to believe Duterte guided anti-drugs crackdown that killed thousands
The former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, will face trial at the international criminal court (ICC) after judges unanimously confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his “war on drugs”.
Pre-trial judges concluded on Thursday that there were substantial grounds to believe Duterte was responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder in relation to anti-drugs crackdowns that led to the killing of thousands of people.
It is alleged that such crimes were committed as part of a “widespread and systematic attack” against the civilian population during Duterte’s presidency, which began in 2016, and his earlier term as mayor of the southern city of Davao.
Duterte, 80, who was arrested in Manila last year and flown to The Hague, has denied charges against him. The date of the trial has not yet been set. Rise Up for Life and for Rights, which represents families of the victims of drugs-related killings, said relatives were elated to hear the court decision.
