Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague this week, 18 months after his arrest in Manila. The 81-year-old, dressed in a dark suit, said nothing during the hearing but waved to relatives watching from the public gallery.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his brutal war on drugs as president from 2016 to 2022, a crackdown that allegedly led to the summary killing of tens of thousands of people, including drug users and dealers. The court is examining deaths dating back to 2011, when he was mayor of Davao City, through 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the ICC.
Until now, Duterte had only appeared by video link and had missed several hearings. His lawyers argue he is unfit for trial due to severe memory loss, reportedly believing he is still living in 2007 or 2008 and unable to recall President Trump’s name. Prosecutors dispute this, and judges have ordered an independent medical evaluation. A trial date is set for November 30.
Families of victims who watched the hearing via livestream in Manila expressed relief at finally seeing him appear, with some hoping his presence will speed up proceedings.
You can read the full BBC report for more details on the case and its political fallout in the Philippines.
Source: Philippines' Duterte seen in person at International Criminal Court for first time (feeds.bbci.co.uk). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: ictyphotos, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).