Rodrigo Duterte appears in court for crimes against humanity

In The Hague, Netherlands, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared via video link before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 14, 2025. The hearing took place shortly after his arrest in Manila on murder charges related to his 'war on drugs' during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. While the presiding judge, Iulia Antoanella Motoc, allowed Duterte to participate remotely due to his long flight, concerns were raised about his health, with his lawyer claiming he is suffering from serious medical issues. Duterte confirmed his name and date of birth during the brief appearance, where he was read his rights and informed of the charges against him. Prosecutors allege that he oversaw numerous extrajudicial killings, constituting crimes against humanity, with accusations referring to his time as both mayor of Davao City and later as president. Supporters of Duterte gathered outside the court, demanding his return to the Philippines and contesting the ICC’s jurisdiction over his case. Activists in Manila also watched the proceedings on large screens, calling for justice for the victims of Duterte’s controversial drug policy. If convicted, Duterte may face life in prison. The court is expected to set a date for a crucial pretrial hearing, reviewing evidence before determining if a full trial is warranted, which could take years. This historic event reflects a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability concerning state-sponsored violence and human rights violations in the Philippines.