ICC Says Duterte Must Go to Trial for Killings
Introduction
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a court for very serious crimes. It says former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte must go to trial. The court says he is responsible for many killings during his anti-drug campaign.
Main Body
Rodrigo Duterte was president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He started a 'war on drugs'. The ICC says he made groups of killers to find and kill people who used or sold drugs. The court found strong reasons to believe he did this. The charges say he murdered 76 people and tried to murder two others. The police say over 6,000 people died. Human rights groups say up to 30,000 people died. Duterte was arrested in Manila and sent to The Hague. He says he did not do these things. He did not go to court. His lawyers say he is too sick to stand trial. The judges say he is not too sick. The lawyers for the victims are happy. They say this is a big step for justice. One man said his nephew was killed in 2017. He said the ICC will let victims tell their stories. Duterte is the first former leader from Asia to face trial at the ICC.
Conclusion
The trial will happen, but the date is not set yet. Duterte stays in ICC custody. His lawyers still try to stop the trial. This case is important for the ICC. It shows that leaders can be held responsible for violence against their own people.