WATCH: What you need to know about the International Criminal Court
April 24, 2017 | 6:00pm
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as addresses thousands of the country's municipal councilors during its 10th National Congress Wednesday, March 8, 2017 in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. Duterte lashed anew at his critics for his so-called war on drugs which resulted in more than 7,000 deaths already since he took office June 30 of last year.
AP / Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — Jude Sabio, the lawyer of self-confessed Davao Death Squad hitman Edgar Matobato, filed a case against President Rodrigo Duterte and 11 other officials before the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) Monday over killings of suspected criminals during his term.
What is the ICC?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague was set up in 2002. More than 120 countries have now ratified the Rome Statute, the legal foundation for the court. Independent and permanent, it was established to bring to justice those accused of the most serious crimes that concern the international community: genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
When can the ICC investigate a case?
The ICC is a court of last resort and will only act if a case is not investigated or prosecuted by a national judicial system.
It can also act if a country is clearly attempting to protect a person from criminal responsibility. A country may also be unable to pursue an individual because its justice system has collapsed.
What is the ICC's jurisdiction?
The ICC can only prosecute a person or persons whose crimes were committed in a country which has ratified the treaty or if the accused is a national of a country which accepts the ICC's jurisdiction.
Who can ask the ICC to launch an investigation?
An inquiry can be opened by the prosecutor at the request of the ratifying state. The prosecutor's office can also initiate investigations on its own provided it has the prior authorization of three independent judges. The United Nations Security Council can also request the prosecutor to launch an investigation regardless of whether it involves a state party or not.
— with a report from the Agence France-Presse
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