Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte didn’t show up in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the first hearing on crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs. Instead, the 79-year-old attended via videolink, looking frail as he confirmed his identity.
The ICC is accusing Duterte of ordering a violent crackdown that allegedly led to thousands of deaths. The court believes these were part of a widespread attack on civilians. But his lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, claimed Duterte had been “kidnapped” and taken to The Hague unfairly, also citing health issues.
During the hearing, Duterte seemed tired, closing his eyes often. However, the judge confirmed he was mentally fit for trial. The next hearing is set for September 23, when the ICC will determine if the case moves forward.
Supporters and critics clashed outside the court. Duterte’s backers demanded his return home, while human rights groups saw his trial as a step toward justice. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, made a last-minute plea to delay the hearing, saying they needed more time to prepare a legal strategy.
Meanwhile, in a video message, Duterte didn’t deny his actions. He even repeated past remarks about killing criminals, saying it was his job to take responsibility. The case could take years to unfold, but for many, just seeing Duterte answer to the ICC is already a historic moment.
