ICC Judges Dismiss Challenge Against Duterte's Crimes Against Humanity Charges
The International Criminal Court (ICC) judges have dismissed a court challenge against former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte's crimes against humanity charges. The 81-year-old faces three counts of crimes against humanity at the ICC over murders allegedly committed during his war on drugs. The court ruled that the investigation into Mr Duterte began before the Philippines withdrew from the ICC, allowing the case to proceed to trial. If the trial proceeds, it would be the first against a former head of state from Asia. Mr Duterte's defence team argued that the ICC had no jurisdiction over alleged crimes in the Philippines due to the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, but the court rejected this argument. The prosecution alleges that Mr Duterte was responsible for thousands of deaths during his war on drugs, while his defence claims there is no direct evidence linking him to the murders. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mr Duterte is unlikely to appear in court due to concerns about his mental fitness.