HUMAN rights organization Karapatan said on Friday that it welcomes the assessment of International Criminal Court (ICC) that found former president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial on crimes against humanity.
Karapatan noted that ICC only made the decision public on Thursday.
”Preparations for his trial are now full steam ahead. The delays and maneuvers of his defense counsel, for him not to face justice, should all be put to rest. After years of impunity, the victims and their families deserve nothing less than a genuine process of accountability. We reiterate that Duterte must be held responsible for all the grave human rights violations committed under his watch,” Karapatan said in a statement.
The group said that the trial should proceed on its intended date on Nov. 30.
”The proceedings must move forward without unnecessary delays and that the rights of victims and their families to truth, justice and accountability must be upheld. The scheduled opening of the trial on Nov. 30 is crucial in the pursuit of justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings and other crimes committed during Duterte’s bloody antidrug campaign,” it said.
”Again, justice must not stop with Duterte. Those who planned, enabled and carried out the killings, as well as those who continue to shield perpetrators from accountability, must also be held to account. ‘Bato’ dela Rosa must be arrested immediately. All of Duterte’s minions should be brought to justice,” Karapatan added.
Duterte recently appeared before an ICC status conference in September.
