Duterte in person at ICC for first time over ‘war on drugs’ killings

What the report says

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for the first time, marking a key step in the case over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. Al Jazeera reported that prosecutors accuse Duterte of creating, funding and arming death squads that targeted suspected drug users and dealers, while Duterte denies wrongdoing and says police were told to act in self-defence.

Wednesday’s hearing focused on procedural matters, including Duterte’s health, disclosure of evidence and the schedule for a trial now set to begin on November 30. He did not speak during the session. His lawyers have argued that cognitive decline and memory loss make him unfit to fully participate, though judges ruled in January that he is healthy enough to stand trial and should be present.

According to the report, the charges cover alleged killings from 2013 to 2018, when Duterte was mayor of Davao and later president from 2016 to 2022. Police have said about 6,200 suspects were killed in anti-drug operations, while rights groups and ICC prosecutors have cited much higher overall death tolls. The case is significant because Duterte is the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC, and victims’ families say the proceedings could bring long-awaited accountability.