• ICC judges confirm charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
• Duterte faces trial for crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs".
• Charges include responsibility for 76 murders and other violent crimes.
• Duterte claims he is unfit to stand trial, citing mental health issues.
• The trial is seen as a historic moment for victims of his administration's violence.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs," which allegedly led to the extrajudicial killings of thousands. The judges determined there were "substantial grounds to believe" that Duterte was instrumental in these crimes, committing him to trial for three counts of murder, according to BBC, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

The ICC's ruling marks a significant moment as Duterte becomes the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the court, which prosecutes individuals for serious international crimes. The proceedings revolve around allegations that Duterte directed a campaign that targeted alleged drug dealers, which resulted in a high death toll. The prosecution states that Duterte created and funded death squads for this purpose, a matter vigorously contested by his defense, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

Duterte, aged 81, has claimed mental unfitness to participate in the trial, stating he is unable to follow proceedings. His legal team highlighted that he had not attended recent hearings, citing issues regarding his cognitive health. However, ICC judges have rejected these claims of cognitive impairment and affirmed his ability to engage in the proceedings, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The accusations against Duterte include his direct participation in the deaths of at least 76 individuals during his tenure, with varying reports regarding the total death count arising from his anti-drug campaign, estimated between 6,000 and 30,000. Critics of Duterte view the ICC's action as a vital step toward accountability and justice for the victims of the violent crackdown he presided over while in office, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.