Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms
The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead
Analysts warn that a coordinated network of supporters is working to reshape public perception and portray Duterte as a victim. Over the past 10 days, that effort has crystallised around three strands: undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses, and normalising mockery of the dead.
Delegitimising the court
In an affidavit, the men alleged the money, which they said came from government flood-control projects, had also been used to bribe ICC investigators.
The Philippine Navy later said four of the 18 had never been members of the Marines or Navy, while most of the remaining signatories had been dishonourably discharged.
One politician named in the affidavit, Representative Leila de Lima, questioned how she could have received the alleged cash when she had not yet been elected to office and was, at the time, in solitary confinement over drug-trafficking charges she has previously described as politically motivated.