Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday for a pretrial hearing, marking his first physical presence at the court. The 81-year-old faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with hundreds of murders committed during his "war on drugs" while in office. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, denies the allegations.

He had missed a series of hearings since his arrest in March 2025 and had previously appeared via videolink. Duterte's legal team claims he suffers from a significant memory impairment that prevents him from retaining recent information and reliably accessing his memories. However, the court's judges ruled in January that he was fit enough to follow proceedings and requested his presence in court. The prosecution argued that Duterte is "capable of meaningfully exercising his procedural and fair trial rights, and that he is fit for trial."

During Wednesday's pretrial hearing, judges were to hear arguments about his health and decide whether he is mentally fit to stand trial. Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity committed between 2011 and 2019, first when he was mayor of the southern city of Davao and then as Philippine president. Prosecutors say he is responsible for a systematic campaign that led to the deaths of at least 30,000 people, many of them during "anti-drug" raids. Duterte's trial is scheduled for November this year.

The case has drawn intense international attention, with human rights groups and political observers closely monitoring the proceedings. It represents a significant moment for international justice, as it seeks to hold a former head of state accountable for alleged mass atrocities. The outcome of the fitness hearing could determine whether Duterte will face a full trial or whether the case will be delayed or dismissed on health grounds.

Source: www.dw.com