Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared via video link before judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on March 14, 2025, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial "war on drugs" during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC accuses Duterte of orchestrating widespread extrajudicial killings targeting individuals suspected of drug-related offenses. The court alleges that Duterte not only permitted but also provided weapons, financial incentives, and assured impunity to those who carried out these killings.
In his initial appearance, Duterte's legal team argued that his transfer to the Netherlands lacked proper legal process, describing it as an "abduction." The presiding judge has scheduled a pre-trial hearing for September 23 to assess the sufficiency of evidence for proceeding to trial.
Duterte's family has been vocal in their support, with his eldest daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, traveling to The Hague, and his youngest daughter calling for public solidarity. Despite these familial efforts, human rights organizations and victims' families have welcomed the ICC's actions, viewing them as a step toward justice for the thousands affected by Duterte's anti-drug campaign.
If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. This development underscores the ICC's commitment to holding leaders accountable for human rights violations and marks a significant moment in international justice.