• The ICC conducts hearings regarding charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
• Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug policy.
• The proceedings highlight potential accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened hearings to determine if former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity arising from his controversial "war on drugs." This four-day hearing marks a significant step in the legal process against Duterte, focusing on accusations of systemic extrajudicial killings that occurred from 2011 to 2019, during his time as both Davao City mayor and president from 2016 to 2022, according to Al Jazeera.

Prosecutors at the ICC have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging that he was "pivotal" in orchestrating a campaign that led to the deaths of thousands, including children, amidst efforts to eradicate drug-related crime. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang stated that Duterte "authorised murders and personally selected some of the victims," positioning him at the heart of the alleged criminal operations, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The ICC judges will review the evidence and legal arguments presented in these hearings to decide whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed to a full trial. The outcome will hinge on whether the judges believe that the charges, which include the alleged involvement in at least 76 murders, are backed by substantial evidence, according to Anadolu Agency and BBC.

Duterte, who has maintained his innocence and refuses to recognise the ICC's jurisdiction, chose not to attend the hearing, citing health issues and asserting a complete denial of the accusations. His lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, argues that the charges are politically motivated and that Duterte only intended to instill respect for the law through his controversial policies, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

Outside the courthouse, demonstrators gathered to voice their support for victims and demand accountability, expressing hope that these proceedings would pave the way for justice. Human rights activists have noted that the proceedings are crucial not just for the Philippines, but also for the international community in setting precedents for holding leaders accountable for human rights abuses, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and Reuters.