Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Wednesday, marking his first physical presence at the tribunal since his arrest in Manila 18 months ago. The 81-year-old, dressed formally in a dark suit and white shirt, did not address the court but acknowledged family members in attendance. He had previously participated in proceedings via video link and missed several scheduled hearings.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his anti-drug campaign, which resulted in the alleged summary executions of tens of thousands of individuals involved in the drug trade. The ICC is examining killings spanning from November 2011, when Duterte served as mayor of Davao, through March 2019, when he withdrew the Philippines from ICC membership. His legal team has raised concerns about his fitness to stand trial, citing significant memory impairment and deteriorating health.
The court convened the status hearing after Duterte’s attorneys argued their client’s medical condition rendered him unable to participate effectively in his defense. A medical assessment by three specialists has been ordered, though findings have not been publicly disclosed. According to reports, the evaluation indicated cognitive difficulties, including temporal disorientation and memory gaps. Prosecutors have disputed claims of unfitness. The first trial date is scheduled for 30 November.
Family members of victims have closely followed the proceedings. Some relatives expressed cautious optimism about Duterte’s court appearance, noting his apparent physical condition while others emphasized hope that his presence would facilitate faster case progression. In 2019, Duterte publicly disclosed he had myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neurological disorder.
Duterte’s arrest followed the dissolution of his political alliance with current President Ferdinand Marcos, an event that reshaped Philippine political dynamics. His daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, has been involved in a separate impeachment proceeding and is considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
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