ICC assistant to counsel Ross Tugade on Duterte’s 1st year in detention

Wednesday, March 11th marks one year since the historic arrest and detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Duterte’s ICC Case

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity – murder and attempted murder – stemming from actions during his time as Davao City mayor and throughout his presidency. The charges relate to the “Davao Death Squad” and his “war on drugs,” which human rights groups estimate resulted in nearly 30,000 deaths.

Did You Realize? The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I concluded pre-trial hearings last month and will soon issue a decision regarding whether Duterte’s case will proceed to trial.

The ICC is considering evidence related to alleged crimes committed between November 2011 and March 2019. Domestic accountability mechanisms have reportedly failed to conduct effective investigations or prosecutions.

Upcoming Discussion with Expert

To discuss these developments, Rappler’s justice reporter Jairo Bolledo will host an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with ICC assistant to counsel and international law expert Ross Tugade at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 11th.

Expert Insight: The ICC’s consideration of these charges represents a significant moment for international justice, potentially offering a path to accountability for alleged crimes that have long gone unaddressed. The upcoming decision on whether to proceed to trial will be a critical step in determining the future of this case.

Individuals can participate in the AMA by downloading the Rappler app for iOS or Android, or by accessing the web version. Participants are directed to join the “Justice and Crime” chat room within the app to submit questions, which will be addressed during a livestream on Rappler’s YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Duterte face?

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity: murder and attempted murder.

When did the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I finish hearings?

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I finished the pre-trial hearings last month.

How can I participate in the AMA session?

You can join the AMA by downloading the Rappler app or accessing the web version, joining the “Justice and Crime” chat room, and submitting your questions there.

As the ICC considers its next steps, what impact might this case have on the pursuit of international justice and accountability for human rights violations?

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