Prosecutors allege Rodrigo Duterte killed thousands in his drug war, while his defence claims the case is based on hearsay as ICC judges consider charges.
THE HAGUE: International Criminal Court prosecutors concluded their case by alleging former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte killed thousands during his anti-drug campaign.
His defence team countered that Duterte murdered no one and the prosecution’s argument was based on “hearsay” and “conjecture”.
“He’s proud of his killings. He wants to be remembered for them,” said prosecutor Julian Nicholls in his closing argument.
Nicholls stated Duterte ran a death squad in Davao City for over 20 years before becoming president.
The prosecution presented 76 alleged murder cases as an emblematic fraction of the thousands killed according to rights groups.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity for his “war on drugs” as mayor and president.
Defence lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said his client’s only fault was an “inappropriate choice of language”.
“But he murdered nobody,” Kaufman told the court.
He urged judges not to confirm the charges and to let Duterte live in peace in the Philippines.
A lawyer for victims said defence rebuttals felt like “their murdered loved-ones are being murdered again”.
The panel of three judges heard arguments all week to decide if the case proceeds to a full trial.
Duterte did not attend the hearing, with his defence citing illness and victims claiming he avoids facing families.
Judges now have up to 60 days to issue a written verdict on confirming the charges.
They can confirm all charges for trial, dismiss some, or reject the case entirely freeing Duterte.
