Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of murders related to his war on drugs. According to this ICC, Duterte is suspected of committing crimes against humanity - murders, which have allegedly been committed in the Philippines between January 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
"My client was exiled from his country," stated Duterte's lawyer Salvador Medialdea in the International Criminal Court. He also requested to present registry representatives in court and explain to the judges how Duterte's arrests were lawful and justified.
According to the judges of the ICC, Judge Antoine Mildred, doctors at the detention center did not find any signs of psychological disorders in Duterte after checks and tests. She also confirmed that detainee Duterte was justified. The next step will be a hearing to confirm the charges against him, scheduled for September 23, 2025, and if the case is transferred, it is planned to start in early 2026.
Duterte, 79 years old, was arrested in Manila and delivered to the Netherlands in custody. Visibly weakened, he confirmed his identity through a video link from the detention center, but did not express further due to his deplorable state of health. The accusations against him involve widespread involvement in extrajudicial killings during his presidency.
Seven victims consider his appearance before the ICC a step towards justice.
