Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended his International Criminal Court hearing via videolink, as he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. Unable to attend in person due to health issues, Duterte was represented by his lawyer, who claimed he experienced “extrajudicial rendition.” The hearing, aimed at confirming the charges against Duterte for alleged involvement in thousands of murders, was a significant moment for advocates seeking justice for victims. While supporters labeled the proceedings a “kidnapping,” critics viewed it as a pivotal event for accountability in international law. A hearing to confirm the charges is set for September 23.
The Hague:
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was unable to be present in person at the International Criminal Court on Friday during the commencement of the hearing regarding crimes against humanity linked to his lethal anti-narcotics campaign.
The 79-year-old, who is the first former Asian leader facing charges at the ICC, participated via videolink during a brief session intended to inform him of the accusations against him and his rights as a defendant.
Appearing frail and dressed in a blue suit and tie, he spoke briefly to confirm his identity and date of birth. Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc permitted him to follow the proceedings remotely, considering the long journey he had taken to reach The Hague.
His attorney Salvador Medialdea informed the court that Duterte had been “abducted from his country.”
“He was forcibly transported to The Hague. For legal professionals, this qualifies as extrajudicial rendition. For those less versed in law, it’s simply kidnapping,” Medialdea stated.
Medialdea also conveyed that Duterte was experiencing “serious medical issues,” adding that aside from confirming his identity, he was unable to participate in the hearing.
Duterte appeared drowsy throughout the session, frequently closing his eyes for extended periods.
However, Judge Motoc remarked, “The court physician has determined that you are fully mentally aware and fit.” She scheduled the next phase of the proceedings for September 23, a hearing to confirm the charges.
Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, stemming from his prolonged campaign against drug users and dealers, which rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of deaths.
In the prosecutor’s request for his arrest, it was stated that Duterte’s purported actions were “part of a widespread and systematic assault targeting the civilian population in the Philippines.”
“It is estimated that potentially tens of thousands of killings were carried out,” the prosecutor alleged regarding the campaign, which primarily affected poor men, often without proof of any drug-related connections.
Families of the victims have expressed their hope that this trial will lead to justice, while supporters of Duterte assert that he was “kidnapped” and taken to The Hague amid significant tensions with the ruling Marcos family.
A group of family members, attorneys, and human rights advocates planned to assemble in Manila to view a livestream of the ICC hearing, according to the organizers Rise Up and the Duterte Accountability Campaign Network.
– ‘Kill all of you’ –
International law experts noted that Duterte’s rapid arrest and transfer to the ICC is a significant boost for the beleaguered court, which is facing criticism from various fronts, including sanctions from the United States.
“I view the arrest and transfer of Duterte as a notable advantage at a crucial juncture,” stated Willem van Genugten, Professor of International Law at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, during an interview with AFP.
Earlier on Friday, Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, the vice president of the Philippines, mentioned that she had made a last-minute attempt to reschedule the hearing.
“We are praying and hoping that the court will agree to our request to postpone the initial appearance so that we can properly meet with the former president and discuss legal strategies, as we have not yet had the chance to converse with him,” she told AFP outside the courtroom.
Duterte supporters gathered outside the large glass structure in The Hague, shouting “bring him home.”
Conversely, Ecel Sandalo, an anti-Duterte protester, relayed to AFP that the trial of the former president has instilled in him “hope that despite the numerous injustices in the world, we can still celebrate small victories.”
Upon his arrival in The Hague, the former president appeared to acknowledge accountability for his actions, stating in a Facebook video: “I have been informing the police and military that it was my duty, and I am responsible.”
The prosecutor’s request for arrest includes references to some of Duterte’s statements made during his presidential campaign.
He is quoted as saying the number of criminal suspects killed “will reach 100,000… I will kill all of you” and that the fish in Manila Bay “will grow fat because that’s where I will dispose of you.”
During the hearing to confirm charges, a suspect can contest the evidence provided by the prosecutor.
Following that, the court will determine whether to proceed with a trial, a process that may take months or even years.
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