The ICC Must Hold Duterte Accountable
In 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it would investigate President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, which has resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. The investigation was sparked by a petition filed by several human rights groups, including the European Union, which expressed concern over the "widespread and systematic" killings.
- The ICC's investigation focuses on the period from May 1, 2016, to March 16, 2019, when Duterte's "war on drugs" was at its peak.
- During this period, an estimated 20,000 people were killed in the crackdown, with many more arrested and detained.
- The ICC's investigation will focus on whether the killings amount to a crime against humanity, and whether Duterte and other officials can be held accountable for their roles in the killings.
"The ICC's investigation is a crucial step towards holding those responsible for these heinous crimes to account," said Amnesty International's Secretary General, Kumi Naidoo. "The Philippine government must cooperate fully with the ICC and ensure that all those involved in the killings are brought to justice."
Author's Note:
The International Criminal Court's investigation into President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs is a crucial step towards holding those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. As the investigation unfolds, it is essential for the Philippine government to cooperate fully and ensure that all those involved in the killings are brought to justice.