The International Criminal Court (ICC) is holding a crucial four-day hearing in The Hague to determine if there are substantial grounds to prosecute former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Judges will assess evidence related to alleged crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, committed between November 2011 and March 2019.
The prosecution's case includes three counts: murders in Davao City during Duterte's mayoral tenure, attributed to the 'Davao Death Squad'; murders of 'high-value targets' during his presidency; and murders and attempted murders during presidential clearance operations.
An arrest warrant was issued for Duterte, who was surrendered to the ICC and is currently detained. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, with the burden of proof resting on the ICC Prosecutor's Office.
Duterte's defense team will present arguments, alongside legal representatives for 539 victims. The judges are expected to issue a decision within 60 days, deciding whether to confirm charges for trial, halt proceedings, or request further evidence.
The ICC, based in The Hague, prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression, established by the Rome Statute.