ICC Indicts Rodrigo Duterte for Crimes Against Humanity

Sun Sep 28 2025 23:31:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte faces serious charges from the International Criminal Court regarding his controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has charged Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, with crimes against humanity due to his involvement in a violent anti-drug campaign. The court's allegations include the murders of numerous individuals without trial, with the ICC declaring Duterte as an 'indirect co-perpetrator.' This landmark indictment marks him as the first Asian former head of state to face such charges from the ICC.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The 80-year-old is accused of being criminally responsible for dozens of murders that allegedly took place as part of his so-called war on drugs, during which thousands of small-time drug dealers, users and others were killed without trial.

The ICC's charge sheet, which includes several redactions, dates from July but was only made public on Monday.

ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang stated that Duterte was an indirect co-perpetrator in the killings, which the court claims were carried out by others, including police.

The first charge against Mr Duterte concerns his alleged involvement in the killings of 19 people in Davao City between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor there.

The other two charges are related to his presidency from 2016 to 2022 when he escalated the anti-drug campaign. One charge involves the murders of 14 high-value targets, while another focuses on the murder and attempted murder of 45 individuals during village clearance operations.

Prosecutors noted that Mr Duterte and his alleged co-perpetrators shared a common plan or agreement to 'neutralise' alleged criminals in the Philippines (including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production) through violent methods including murder.

Duterte has never apologized for his brutal approach to drug enforcement, which he claims was essential in combating street crime, leading to over 6,000 confirmed deaths - though activists contend the actual number may reach into the tens of thousands.

Rodrigo Duterte is the first Asian former leader to be indicted by the ICC and has been in custody in The Hague since March. Although his health is reportedly poor, he continues to generate political influence, having been reelected as mayor of Davao while imprisoned.

Supporters believe the ICC's actions are politically motivated, aimed at undermining Duterte and his family's legacy by the current Philippine government led by Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who has previously refused to cooperate with the ICC.