Thu Mar 13 05:15:00 UTC 2025: ## Former Philippine President Duterte Appears Before ICC on Crimes Against Humanity Charges

**The Hague, Netherlands** – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, March 14th, 2025, to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old Duterte, who was arrested in Manila, is accused of murder for the deaths of tens of thousands of drug users and dealers during his presidency.

In a Facebook video upon his arrival in The Hague, Duterte appeared to accept responsibility for the actions taken under his administration, stating that the killings were his responsibility. His arrest followed a significant rift between his family and the current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has denounced his arrest as “oppression and persecution” and has travelled to the Netherlands to support her father. The Duterte family attempted to secure an emergency injunction to halt his transfer to The Hague.

Victims of the drug war expressed relief at Duterte’s appearance before the court. Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims, stated that the arrest is “a great signal for international criminal justice” and affirms that “no one is above the law.”

The ICC, facing pressure including recent US sanctions, has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan lauded Duterte’s arrest as a key moment for victims and international justice, emphasizing the potential for international law to prevail when partnerships are forged.

Duterte’s initial hearing involved being informed of the charges and his rights. Future proceedings will include a confirmation of charges hearing, where he can challenge the evidence, before a decision on whether to proceed to trial is made. The ICC underscored that Duterte is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The entire process is expected to take months, or even years.

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