Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Russian leader Vladimir Putin: "I kill criminals, I don't kill children and the elderly"
CBSJUL 2022
Philippines' Duterte Criticizes Putin Over Ukraine Killings
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Image copyright: Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division [via AP]
The Spin
Narrative A
Regardless of his effort to detach himself from the Russian leader, Duterte is no different from Putin, a man who he idolizes and calls a friend. His anti-drug policy has led to the deaths of thousands and the ICC is rightly investigating him for crimes against humanity.
Narrative B
Duterte is rightly concerned about the suffering of innocent people and his statements reflect his intention to advise a long-time friend and ally to retake control of delinquent forces for the sake of civilian lives.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 53% chance that Vladimir Putin will be charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court in connection to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
