Duterte faces murder charges at International Criminal Court

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared via video link at the International Criminal Court on Friday, following his recent arrest in Manila on murder charges related to his "war on drugs." He did not attend in person, and no reason was given for this. Duterte, the first Asian leader arrested under an ICC warrant, faces accusations of crimes against humanity for overseeing killings from 2011 to 2019. His legal team argues that the ICC lacks jurisdiction since the Philippines is no longer a member. Prosecutors allege Duterte ordered police and hitmen to carry out murders, including those of drug dealers. His supporters protested outside the court, while human rights advocates welcomed his arrest as a step toward justice for victims of his administration.