Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearingatthe International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday 23 February, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:
“Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s long-awaited day in court is a significant step towards delivering justice for victims and survivors of his administration’s deadly so-called ‘war on drugs’.
“It also reminds the international community that nobody is above the law, no matter the ferocity of attacks, sanctions and threats aimed at the ICC from some world leaders.
“The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber must now swiftly reach a decision on confirming the charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte so that justice can proceed.
“Just as Duterte has the right to a fair trial, timely progress towards justice remains essential to uphold victims’ rights. Should the charges be confirmed, the trial must proceed promptly and witnesses must be protected from intimidation.
“We urge the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC’s ongoing investigation into crimes committed in the country, including by promptly enforcing any further arrest warrants issued by the Court.
“The government’s surrender of Duterte to the ICC does not absolve it of responsibility to deliver domestic accountability for violations in the ‘war on drugs’. Alongside the ICC, the government must carry out effective investigations against all others suspected of involvement in extrajudicial executions and hold perpetrators accountable in fair trials.”