Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend the International Criminal Court (ICC) in person for the opening of a hearing regarding crimes against humanity linked to his controversial drug crackdown. Instead, at 79 years old, he joined the proceedings via videolink, marking a historic moment as the first ex-Asian leader to face charges at the ICC.
Duterte, appearing fragile in a blue suit and tie, briefly confirmed his name and date of birth during the hearing. Given the extensive flight from The Hague, Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc permitted his absence from the courtroom.
In addressing the court, Duterte’s lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, claimed his client had been “abducted from his country.” Medialdea expressed concerns regarding Duterte’s health, stating, “He is suffering from debilitating medical issues,” and emphasized that beyond confirming his identity, Duterte was unable to actively participate in the hearing.
Throughout the proceedings, Duterte appeared drowsy, frequently closing his eyes for extended periods. Nonetheless, Judge Motoc reassured him, stating, “The court doctor was of the opinion that you were fully mentally aware and fit.” The judge set the next stage of the process for September 23, which will focus on confirming the charges against Duterte.
Supporters gathered outside the court in The Hague to rally for the former president, who faces charges related to his lethal war on drugs. This campaign has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations, who report that it has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of individuals.
As he arrived in The Hague, Duterte seemed to acknowledge responsibility for his actions, saying in a Facebook video, “I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible.”
His arrival coincided with a notable shift in political dynamics within the Philippines, as tensions escalated between Duterte’s family and the Marcos family, with whom they previously joined forces. Current President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice-President Sara Duterte—Duterte’s daughter—are reportedly in conflict, with Ms. Duterte involved in an impeachment trial over allegations, including a purported assassination plot against Mr. Marcos.
Ms. Duterte has traveled to the Netherlands to lend her support, characterizing her father’s arrest as “oppression and persecution.” Meanwhile, victims of the drug war are hopeful for justice, with lawyer Gilbert Andres representing some of these individuals, stating, “My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered.” He added, “The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law.”
This high-profile case arrives at a pivotal time for the ICC, which is grappling with intense pressure, including sanctions from the United States. Just last month, U.S. President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on the court due to what he claimed were “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally, Israel.”
In a similar vein, the ICC has also issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, in connection with alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict.
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan heralded Duterte’s arrest as a significant milestone for victims and international justice. He remarked, “Many say that international law is not as strong as we want, and I agree with that. But as I also repeatedly emphasize, international law is not as weak as some may think.” He went on to highlight the importance of collaboration, stating, “When we come together … when we build partnerships, the rule of law can prevail. Warrants can be executed.”
According to ICC protocols, at the initial hearing, a suspect may request interim release while awaiting trial. Following this initial session, there will be a hearing to confirm the charges, during which the suspect can contest the prosecutor’s evidence. Only after this phase will the court determine whether to proceed with a trial, a process that may stretch over several months or even years.
It is crucial to remember, as proceedings advance, that Mr. Duterte is presumed innocent until proven guilty. “It’s important to underline, as we now start a new stage of proceedings, that Mr. Duterte is presumed innocent,” Mr. Khan reiterated.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
