Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippine President, will appear at the ICC following his arrest on murder charges related to his war on drugs. At 79, he becomes the first Asian ex-leader arrested under an ICC warrant, facing allegations of crimes against humanity with death toll estimates varying from 6,000 to 30,000.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to appear before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, following his recent arrest in Manila on murder charges. This marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Asian ex-leader to be apprehended under an ICC warrant. During this session, Duterte, aged 79, will be apprised of his rights and formally notified regarding the charges of crimes against humanity filed against him, which stem from a prolonged investigation.
The backdrop of these proceedings centers on Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which took place during his administration. The death toll associated with this campaign remains a point of contention, with figures ranging widely. Official reports from the national police cite over 6,000 fatalities; however, human rights organizations have estimated the number to be as high as 30,000, highlighting the intense scrutiny surrounding his actions while in office.
Rodrigo Duterte’s upcoming appearance before the ICC represents a significant development in international law and accountability for human rights violations. The varying estimates of deaths during his administration reflect the tragic consequences of his policies. As he faces the charges of crimes against humanity, this case underscores the importance of legal scrutiny in political leadership.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
