Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity tied to his deadly war on drugs. The case is a major test for the ICC, which has struggled to convict high-level leaders. Unlike past cases hindered by political obstruction, Duterte is out of power and lacks strong international allies, increasing the chances of prosecution. The trial’s result will impact the ICC’s credibility and future role in global accountability.
The impending trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) represents a landmark moment in international justice. Duterte, whose controversial “war on drugs” resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, faces allegations of crimes against humanity. His case raises important questions about the ICC’s track record, the challenges of prosecuting former heads of state, and the role of international support in ensuring accountability.
The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which resolves state disputes, the ICC focuses on individual accountability. It has 124 member states, but major powers like the United States, China, and Russia are not members, limiting its global reach. Despite this, the ICC plays a key role in pursuing justice when national courts fail to act.
One of the distinctive aspects of ICC trials is that they do not use juries. Instead, a panel of three professional judges in the Trial Chamber will oversee Duterte’s case, evaluate the evidence, and issue a verdict by majority vote. The prosecution must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, just as in national courts. However, unlike systems such as the United States or the Philippines, where a jury determines guilt, ICC judges serve as both the finders of fact and law. If found guilty, Duterte could face up to 30 years in prison, or life in exceptional cases. Conversely, if the evidence is deemed insufficient, he will be acquitted and released.
