Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte — the man behind one of the world's bloodiest drug wars — will stand trial at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
A three-judge panel didn't hesitate. They found "Substantial Grounds" to believe Duterte ordered dozens of murders. First as mayor of Davao. Then as president from 2016 to 2022. Last year, at 81, he was arrested in the Philippines and flown to The Hague. He denies everything.
Prosecutors say the killings started in 2011. Police and hit squads acted on his orders — driven by money, or by fear of becoming targets themselves. The death toll? Police say over 6,000. Human rights groups say up to 30,000.
"Killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition", a deputy prosecutor told the court.
Duterte's lawyer fired back, calling the decision "Based on the uncorroborated statements of vicious self-confessed murderers".
But in the Philippines, families of the dead wept — with relief. "This is for all the victims who were nameless, voiceless and just numbers", said Randy delos Santos, whose nephew was gunned down in 2017.
Human Rights Watch called the trial "A Powerful Message that no one Responsible for Grave Crimes is above the Law". No trial date yet. Duterte has waived his right to appear. But for millions, the wait for justice may finally be ending. ⚖️🇵🇭
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