ICC Arraigns Duterte Over Crimes Against Humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday arraigned former Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte on three counts of crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during his controversial “war on drugs.”

According to court filings, Duterte is facing charges of murder as a crime against humanity for alleged extrajudicial killings committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019 a period covering his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines.

Prosecutors grouped the allegations into three counts: 19 murders in or around Davao City between 2013 and 2016; 14 killings of so-called “high-value targets” between 2016 and 2017 after Duterte assumed the presidency; and 43 murders during “clearance operations” on suspected drug users and pushers from 2016 to 2018.

The ICC said the cases represent a “sample” of a broader pattern of killings which rights groups claim left tens of thousands dead.

Duterte, who was arrested on an ICC warrant in the Philippines and transferred to The Hague, has denied any wrongdoing, insisting his anti-drug campaign was lawful.

Judges have scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025, to determine whether the case will proceed to full trial.

Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the country was still a party to the Rome Statute.

Analysts say the case could test the limits of the ICC’s authority and state cooperation.

If confirmed, Duterte would be the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at The Hague for crimes against humanity.