ICC issues arrest warrant for Duterte over murder

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, finding him responsible for murder as a crime against humanity. The court identified him as an "indirect coperpetrator" in the deadly anti-drug campaign. The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber cited evidence of over 6,000 deaths linked to Duterte's drug war, with human rights groups estimating the toll at over 20,000. The court emphasized that the warrant was necessary to ensure Duterte's presence and protect witnesses. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member. The chamber concluded that Duterte's actions and directives led to systematic killings of alleged criminals during his presidency and earlier as mayor of Davao City.