Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, facing murder allegations over his deadly "war on drugs." Arrested on an ICC warrant, he is the first Asian ex-head of state to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes his first appearance at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday, where he faces murder allegations stemming from his "war on drugs".
Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday and was taken into ICC custody after being arrested by authorities on an International Criminal Court warrant.
Prosecutors have accused him of crimes against humanity for what they call a systematic attack on the civilian population.
Thousands of purported drug dealers and users were killed during the crackdown, when death squads he allegedly created and armed carried out widespread extrajudicial killings.
The 79-year-old arrived at Rotterdam airport on a chartered plane Wednesday and was transferred to a detention unit on the Dutch coast up the road from the ICC building. In video message on social media, Duterte took responsibility for his actions.
Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is set to be the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC, a court of last resort created more than two decades ago to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggression and genocide.
During an initial appearance, judges usually summarise the allegations against a suspect, who will not be asked to enter a plea. Duterte will be represented by a court-appointed defence council and his former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.
The ageing former president will also be asked about his condition and the conditions in detention.
Duterte has said that he suffers from a series of ailments including a chronic neuromuscular disorder, back problems, migraines and a condition that can cause blockages in the blood vessels.
Duterte's surrender to the court marks a big victory for Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces U.S. sanctions over his arrest warrant for Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu.
After the initial appearance, the court will likely set a confirmation of charges hearing in several months, when prosecutors can present part of their evidence and judges decide what charges can be in the indictment. A trial would not be expected to start until early 2026.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed Tuesday to enhance economic and defense cooperation, affirming their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas through force or coercion.
Uzbekistan and the Philippines are working to boost bilateral investment cooperation, with a focus on key sectors such as ICT, electrical engineering, transport, geology, and textiles.
China has announced that it has taken control of Sandy Cay reef, a disputed landform in the South China Sea, located just a few kilometers from a key Philippine military outpost. The reef, which China refers to as Tiexian Jiao, is also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Philippine President Marcos has ordered a probe into alleged foreign interference in May’s elections, following claims that China-backed troll farms aim to sway voters and promote pro-China candidates, accusations Beijing strongly denies.
Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a major road accident involving six vehicles in Marikina City, part of the Philippine capital region, late Wednesday night.
Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small town near Rome, to which he has a deep personal devotion. The visit created a stir in the town, especially when a heightened police presence was noticed earlier in the day.
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors, agreed to a sudden ceasefire on Saturday following diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
After a week of deadly cross-border strikes and rising fears of war, India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire — brokered by Washington. The agreement follows one of the most dangerous escalations in years between the two nuclear powers.
A suspected drone strike on a prison in Sudan’s North Kordofan killed at least 20 inmates and wounded dozens more, officials said, amid intensifying conflict between the military and paramilitary forces.
The United States is reportedly considering fast-tracking billions in Middle Eastern investments before President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small town near Rome, to which he has a deep personal devotion. The visit created a stir in the town, especially when a heightened police presence was noticed earlier in the day.
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors, agreed to a sudden ceasefire on Saturday following diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
After a week of deadly cross-border strikes and rising fears of war, India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire — brokered by Washington. The agreement follows one of the most dangerous escalations in years between the two nuclear powers.
A suspected drone strike on a prison in Sudan’s North Kordofan killed at least 20 inmates and wounded dozens more, officials said, amid intensifying conflict between the military and paramilitary forces.
The United States is reportedly considering fast-tracking billions in Middle Eastern investments before President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a small town near Rome, to which he has a deep personal devotion. The visit created a stir in the town, especially when a heightened police presence was noticed earlier in the day.
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors, agreed to a sudden ceasefire on Saturday following diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
After a week of deadly cross-border strikes and rising fears of war, India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire — brokered by Washington. The agreement follows one of the most dangerous escalations in years between the two nuclear powers.
A suspected drone strike on a prison in Sudan’s North Kordofan killed at least 20 inmates and wounded dozens more, officials said, amid intensifying conflict between the military and paramilitary forces.
The United States is reportedly considering fast-tracking billions in Middle Eastern investments before President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment