What is the core charge against former President Duterte at the ICC?

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The Core Charge Against Former President Duterte at the ICC is Murder as a Crime Against Humanity

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces a charge of "the crime against humanity of murder" at the International Criminal Court (ICC). This charge is directly linked to his administration's extensive and controversial war on drugs. Rights groups estimate that this crackdown resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals, predominantly from impoverished backgrounds, with many fatalities occurring without conclusive evidence of drug-related involvement.
Arrest and Transfer to The Hague

Duterte was arrested at Manila's international airport following the receipt of an official arrest warrant from the ICC by Interpol Manila. President Ferdinand Marcos confirmed that the aircraft carrying the former president departed late Tuesday evening, bound for The Hague in the Netherlands, where he is to face the charges. Despite legal efforts by his lawyers to prevent the transfer, including a Supreme Court petition filed on behalf of his daughter Veronica arguing for his return to Manila, the process proceeded.
Legal Basis and Philippine Jurisdiction

Although the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte's directive, the tribunal asserts its jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed prior to the withdrawal. This includes killings that occurred during Duterte's tenure as mayor of Davao city, predating his presidency. The ICC's formal inquiry into the drug war was initiated in September 2021 and resumed in July 2023 after a judicial panel rejected the Philippines' jurisdictional objections.
Reactions to the Arrest

The arrest has elicited sharply contrasting reactions. Supporters of the former president have labelled his arrest as "unlawful" and described the situation as "oppression and persecution." Conversely, opponents and victims' groups have expressed jubilation. Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, stated that mothers of those killed in the drug war are "very happy" and have long awaited such a development. The Philippine rights alliance Karapatan echoed this sentiment, calling the arrest "long overdue."

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What is the core charge against former President Duterte at the ICC?

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