ICC prosecutors charge Duterte with crimes against humanity for drug war deathsDuterte’s lawyer claims charges are politically motivatedOpponents rally outside court demanding Duterte’s accountability— Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was “pivotal” in the murder of thousands of people during his rule, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Monday, as they pushed for his trial to go ahead. Under the ICC rules, judges will have to confirm charges before the case can move to trial. Duterte’s lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the charges had been politically motivated, and that Duterte had been misunderstood. According to the prosecutors, Duterte created, funded and armed death squads to target and kill alleged narcotics peddlers and users. Opponents gatherOpponents of Duterte gathered outside the court building, chanting “Hold Duterte accountable!” in Tagalog.

Source: Philippine Star February 24, 2026 00:06 UTC