Philippines Ex-Leader Duterte Played ‘Pivotal’ Role in Killings, War Crimes Court Told

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte played a “pivotal” role in the extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users, a prosecutor told a hearing at the International Criminal Court.

The 80-year-old “authorized murders and personally selected some of the targets,” first as mayor of Davao City then as president, ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said during the first day of proceedings on Monday.