Victims' lawyers support bid to admit drug war testimonies at ICC

MANILA — Lawyers representing victims of the controversial drug war have thrown their support behind a prosecution motion to include three testimonies as evidence in the ongoing International Criminal Court case examining alleged crimes against humanity.

The move comes as the court continues its investigation into the deaths of thousands during the anti-drug campaign that characterized Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022. The administration's drug war has drawn intense scrutiny from international human rights organizations and the ICC, which opened a preliminary examination into the matter in 2017.

The admission of witness testimonies could prove significant to the prosecution's case, as direct accounts from victims' families and survivors provide crucial evidence of alleged systematic killings and extrajudicial executions. The backing from legal representatives suggests coordinated support among those seeking accountability for deaths linked to the campaign.

The ICC investigation has faced various procedural challenges since its opening, with questions raised about investigative access and the presentation of evidence. The testimonies under consideration are expected to address the circumstances and impacts of deaths during the drug war period.

The case remains one of the most significant international investigations into alleged human rights abuses in Southeast Asia in recent years, with implications for accountability mechanisms and the treatment of anti-drug operations globally.