🚨 International Criminal Court (ICC) appeals judges confirmed on Wednesday that the court has jurisdiction over former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, rejecting his legal team's request to halt the case and release the 81-year-old. The decision brings a potential trial over his alleged role in thousands of killings during his presidency one step closer to reality. 🌍⚖️
🔍 The ruling upholds a lower court's decision to continue the case, which centers on Duterte's controversial "war on drugs" campaign. Human rights groups estimate over 6,000 deaths occurred under the policy, though activists claim the true number could be far higher. Duterte's lawyers argued the ICC lacked authority, but judges dismissed the appeal, calling it "without merit."
💬 "This is a victory for accountability," said Amnesty International's regional director, while Duterte's spokesperson called the ICC's actions "politically motivated." The case now moves to the pre-trial phase, where prosecutors will determine if there’s sufficient evidence to proceed. 📉 Analysts say this could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for state-linked violence.
