Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not appear in person on Friday for his initial court hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he is facing serious accusations of murder linked to his controversial anti-drug policies. Instead, due to fatigue resulting from his journey, the 79-year-old Duterte was granted permission by Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc to join the court session via video conference.
Duterte appeared frail as he confirmed his identity and age remotely, dressed in a blue suit and tie. After arriving by chartered jet from Manila to the Netherlands on Wednesday, Duterte was promptly arrested and placed in ICC custody under an international warrant. He has since been detained in a unit near the ICC building on the Dutch coast.
Prosecutors at the ICC accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity connected to his aggressive "war on drugs" conducted during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. Thousands of alleged drug criminals and users lost their lives in the campaign, allegedly through extrajudicial killings carried out by death squads that Duterte is said to have formed and armed.
In a social media post following his arrest, Duterte took responsibility for his actions. He is notably the first former Asian head of state to be placed on trial at the ICC, an international court specifically created to prosecute serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, aggression, and crimes against humanity.
Typically during an initial ICC appearance, judges provide a synopsis of the charges but suspects are not required to enter a formal plea. Duterte will be represented by a court-appointed lawyer as well as his former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea. Additionally, the court intends to inquire about Duterte’s health condition and the nature of his detention during this initial stage of legal proceedings.
The former Philippine president has declared that he suffers from multiple health conditions, such as a chronic neuromuscular disease, chronic migraines, back pain, and vascular complications that can cause blockages.
For ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, Duterte’s surrender signifies a major success amid challenging circumstances, including sanctions imposed by the United States against Khan over an ICC arrest warrant issued for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
Looking ahead, a hearing to confirm the charges against Duterte will likely be scheduled within a few months. During that hearing, prosecutors will provide preliminary evidence, and the judges will determine the specific charges to pursue in the formal indictment. An actual trial is anticipated to begin in early 2026 at the earliest.
9 Comments
Matzomaster
We salute Duterte for his courage and determination. ICC will not erase his genuine love and sacrifice.
Karamba
At last, a small step toward justice for victims of extrajudicial killings. Duterte deserves this trial.
Rotfront
Duterte’s actions tarnished the Philippines' global reputation. Let’s see real justice happen.
Matzomaster
He looks frail? Imagine how his victims felt. No sympathy for a brutal leader responsible for senseless violence.
Rotfront
Duterte’s efforts reduced suffering and improved our communities. The ICC is wrong on this one!
Loubianka
A sick and tired Duterte can’t erase the trauma of thousands who died brutal deaths under his watch.
Eugene Alta
Don’t be fooled by his excuses of poor health. Duterte should pay for every life his administration took unfairly.
Loubianka
Duterte can't escape consequences now! The ICC should hold him fully accountable for all those innocent lives lost.
Eugene Alta
The ICC does not understand the challenge Duterte faced fighting rampant drug crime at home. They should leave him alone.