International Criminal Court: Duterte faces life in prison
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared by video link before the ICC, charged as “co-perpetrator” in the killing of 43 people between 2011 and 2019, many summarily executed during his “war on drugs”. The Court rejected the defence's objections and set the next hearing for 23 September.
The Hague (AsiaNews) – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared yesterday via video link before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the opening hearing of the proceedings against him.
The ICC had ordered his arrest and extradition, which was done on Wednesday thanks to cooperation between Interpol and Philippine police. If convicted, the former president risks life imprisonment.
Duterte, 79, is accused of being “indirect co-perpetrator” in the killing of 43 people: 19 between 2011 and 2016, when he was mayor of Davao City, and 24 between 2016 and 2019, when he was president.
During his term in office, the Philippines’ former head of state ruled with an iron fist, intolerant of criticism and opposition.
His presidency was marked by a violent anti-drug campaign, which – according to the ICC prosecutor's office – claimed about 30,000 lives, including homeless people and street kids in both his hometown and the rest of the country.
Although ostracised internationally and criticised at home, Duterte built political support around his image as a strongman, openly instigating the physical elimination of alleged criminals and guaranteeing impunity to security forces.
At present, he still enjoys considerable support, especially among Filipinos disillusioned with the broken promises on security and the law by incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This popularity had undermined attempts to indict him, even after the Philippines withdrew from the ICC's jurisdiction in 2019.
Yesterday's hearing was presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, who rejected the objections raised by Duterte's defence, including the alleged irregularity of the transfer and the physical inability of the defendant to face trial.
After a medical examination, the former president was deemed “mentally aware and fit”.
As for the merits of the charges, the court said it had “reasonable grounds” to hold Duterte criminally responsible for the systematic selection and elimination of alleged criminals as part of his “war on drugs”.
Back in the Philippines, the government is managing protests and political reactions by the former president's supporters.
While the hearing might be legitimate, the government has been accused of giving in to international pressure.
The decision might also reflect the Marcos-Duterte rivalry. In fact, since their election, President Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s eldest daughter, have fallen out.
Meanwhile, at the ICC, a preliminary hearing has been set for 23 September. If the trial gets underway, it might take several years before a verdict is reached.
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