Ankara: The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has rejected an appeal from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, affirming the court's jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity related to extrajudicial killings during Duterte's anti-drug campaign in the Philippines. This decision confirms an earlier ruling by the Pre-Trial Chamber, maintaining the ICC's authority over the case.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Appeals Chamber's decision signals the dismissal of jurisdictional challenges, allowing the case to advance to the next phase. The judges voted separately on various legal issues, reaching unanimous decisions on some points, with a dissenting vote from Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia, who had previously dissented in a similar jurisdiction ruling in 2023.

The ruling has been closely monitored by victims of the drug war in the Philippines, many of whom followed the proceedings remotely. With jurisdiction now settled, attention shifts to the confirmation of charges against Duterte. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber, which held confirmation hearings on February 27, is expected to announce its decision by the end of April after a 60-day deliberation period. The chamber may confirm some or all charges, request additional evidence, or decline to confirm the case.

Duterte is facing three counts of crimes against humanity of murder, involving at least 78 alleged victims during his presidency. Should the charges be confirmed, the case will move forward to trial before the ICC in The Hague.