Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, where his lawyer claimed he was forcibly taken to The Hague and is too sick to provide testimony.
Duterte, 79, was arrested on an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity and arrived in the Netherlands on Wednesday from Manila. Appearing frail, he confirmed his identity via video link from a detention unit. His attorney, Salvador Medialdea, described the arrest as “pure and simple kidnapping” and stated that Duterte suffers from severe medical conditions.
However, Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc countered that a court doctor deemed Duterte mentally fit. She noted that concerns about his health and transfer could be raised in later proceedings.
Prosecutors accuse Duterte of orchestrating a deadly war on drugs during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, leading to thousands of extrajudicial killings. Victims’ families view his arrest as a step toward justice.
During the hearing, judges scheduled a confirmation of charges session for September 23, where prosecutors will present evidence to determine the formal indictment. A full trial is not expected until early 2026.
