Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines in 2016.  Part of his platform was his vow to kill drug dealers and users in order to ‘clean up the streets.’

Since that times, thousands have been murdered, many over low-level drug use.  The Filipino police put the number around 4,000, while others estimate it to be over 10,000.

One thing is certain, Duterte is not shy about his desire to murder those who do and peddle drugs. He has previously erroneously remarked that, “Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there is [sic] three million drug addicts. I’d be happy to slaughter them.” Aside from this statement being generally disgusting, it is also historically inaccurate, as Hitler killed six millions Jews.  In any case, this is only one example of the madman itching to get his genocide underway.

If that didn’t make it clear enough, he also made promises to kill many more on the campaign trail saying, “forget the laws on human rights. If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because I’d kill you.”

This man is one of the most disgusting leaders on the face of the earth, which says a lot, and is even more brazen than most.  He has openly joked about seeing a rape in progress and lamenting the fact that he was not was not able “to be first.”

Now, unsurprisingly, he is attempting to pull out of the International Criminal court.  This is in large part due to the fact that many in the international community are calling to put a stop to this homicidal maniac.  Though he has not stopped there, he has also begun to call for other countries to likewise withdraw, calling the treaty “rude.” I’d call making disgusting comments about wanting to rape people and murder a gross number of people, who’s only crime was tweaking their consciousness, a little more than rude.

Though there is precedent for not wanting to join the treaty, usually because you want to commit crimes as a nation.  For instance, the US, Russia, and Israel, have all avoided joining the ICC.  Their reasons for doing so should be blindingly obvious, all of these countries regularly commit war crimes.

But the similarities don’t stop there, US president Trump has even praised Duterte’s drug policy, wishing to implement something like that of his own.

The international community needs to band together to hold Duterte accountable, as well as other nations who believe they can act outside international law.  We cannot aspire to have a civil planet when madmen are allowed to operate without the fear of consequences.

Photo credit: @bash_carlos Bash Carlos