THE HAGUE – Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 14, facing allegations of crimes against humanity. His lawyer claimed that Duterte was “abducted” before being brought to The Hague and is too ill to testify.
Duterte, 79, was flown from Manila to the Netherlands on March 12 following his arrest on an ICC warrant. Appearing via video link from a detention unit, he confirmed his identity but spoke little, with his defense attorney Salvador Medialdea asserting that his client’s arrest and transfer amounted to “kidnapping” and that Duterte suffers from “debilitating” medical conditions.
Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc countered this claim, stating that a court medical examination determined Duterte was “fully mentally aware and fit.” Prosecutors accuse him of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on alleged drug offenders during his presidency, leading to thousands of extrajudicial killings by death squads he allegedly established.
Upon arrival at Rotterdam airport on March 12, Duterte was transported to a detention unit near the ICC building. In a video statement on social media, he took responsibility for his actions. During the hearing, the judge outlined the charges against him, but Duterte was not required to enter a plea at this stage.
As the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the ICC, Duterte faces proceedings in a court established over two decades ago to handle cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and acts of aggression.
Duterte has previously disclosed various health issues, including a chronic neuromuscular disorder, back pain, migraines, and vascular conditions. His surrender represents a significant win for ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who has also drawn controversy for issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following this initial appearance, the court is expected to schedule a confirmation of charges hearing in the coming months, during which prosecutors will present evidence. If the case proceeds, a trial is unlikely to commence before early 2026.