ICC charges against Duterte expose scale of drug war killings, but road to trial uncertain
The former Philippine leader has been accused of orchestrating dozens of killings, but claims of cognitive decline are delaying proceedings
On Monday, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor released a heavily redacted document dated July 4 detailing the accusations against Duterte, who has been detained at a facility in The Hague since March.
The charges against the 80-year-old cover a total of 76 killings that took place between 2016 and 2018 in the Philippines, with some related to the “war on drugs” that he initiated at the beginning of his term in 2016.
For victims’ advocates, the charges are “significant” because they outline for the first time what prosecutors believe can be proved in court. But legal experts say the case’s progress depends on whether ICC judges confirm the charges – a step delayed as the court weighs Duterte’s fitness to stand trial and considers his legal team’s bid to adjourn proceedings indefinitely.
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The first of the three counts concerns his time as Davao City mayor, where he was allegedly involved as a “co-perpetrator” in 19 murders that were carried out between 2013 and 2016.