Duterte in court in The Hague over war on drugs

Duterte in court in The Hague over war on drugs

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands. There he faces murder charges related to his controversial “War on Drugs” campaign.

Background to the charges

The 79-year-old former authoritarian leader, who arrived in The Hague on Wednesday after his spectacular arrest in Manila, is accused of committing "murder as a crime against humanity." This happened during his brutal, year-long campaign in which thousands of people were killed between 2011 and 2019.

Current developments

This story is developing and more information is expected. The international community is closely monitoring the trial as it could have far-reaching consequences for human rights and the rule of law in the Philippines.

Reactions from the population

Reactions to Duterte's arrest and hearing have been mixed. While some see his policies as necessary to combat drug-related crime, human rights activists warn of the serious consequences of his actions.

Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte's appearance before the International Criminal Court marks the beginning of a significant legal process that will shed light on the former president's past and the impact of his policies on Philippine society. The coming developments could be crucial for the political future of the Philippines.