URGENT: ICC Charges Duterte with Crimes Against Humanity in Historic Move

BREAKING: ICC Charges Duterte with Crimes Against Humanity The International Criminal Court has charged former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in the killings of at least 76 people while he was president and earlier as a southern mayor. The charges were made public on Monday after prosecutors submitted a 15-page charge sheet to the court on July 4. Duterte is accused of instructing and authorizing violent acts, including murder, against alleged criminals, including drug dealers and users. The first charge cites 19 victims killed while Duterte was mayor of Davao City between 2013 and around 2016. A second charge alleges similar crimes committed during his presidency. The charges are a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Duterte's human rights record. As president, he implemented a brutal anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. The ICC has been investigating allegations of extrajudicial killings and other abuses under his administration. Duterte is expected to respond to the charges in the coming days. His lawyer has already denied the allegations, claiming that Duterte was "abducted" by authorities. However, the ICC's decision to charge him marks a major milestone in the pursuit of accountability for human rights abuses in the Philippines. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*