Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 79, appeared at a court hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague via videoconference following his recent arrest in Manila on murder charges related to his controversial “war on drugs.” Duterte participated remotely from a nearby detention center where he is being held. His lawyer criticized the arrest, calling it “extrajudicial rendition.”
During the hearing, Duterte confirmed his identity but did not enter a plea. The judge scheduled a pretrial hearing for September 23 to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to a full trial where Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Protesters both for and against Duterte gathered outside the court in The Hague. Human rights groups and victims’ families praised his arrest as a historic win against state impunity. Meanwhile, Duterte’s supporters accused the government of surrendering a political rival to a court that they dispute.
Prosecutors allege that Duterte was an “indirect co-perpetrator” in multiple murders during his time as mayor and president. They claim he issued orders to police officers and “hitmen” to target criminals. Duterte’s legal team argues that the Philippines is no longer an ICC member so the court doesn’t have jurisdiction.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, met supporters outside the court and visited her father in the detention center after the proceedings. If approved, Harry Roque, a former presidential spokesperson of Duterte, will join the legal team to challenge Duterte’s arrest and the court’s jurisdiction.
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