Duterte appears at ICC to face war on drugs charges
Rodrigo Duterte appears at the ICC to face crimes against humanity charges for his drug war killings.
The former Philippines president appeared at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Duterte faces murder charges from his so-called war on drugs.
Duterte led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. In 2025, he was charged with crimes against humanity.
The charges involve setting up and arming death squads that targeted drug dealers and users. Prosecutors say about 30,000 people may have been killed in the crackdown.
Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague in March 2025. On Wednesday, Duterte appeared in court wearing a black suit.
He was silent but sipped water and waved to family members. The trial is scheduled to start in November.
The judge asked prosecutors to shorten proceedings due to Duterte's age and health concerns.
- About 30,000 people
- Estimated deaths
- 81 years old
- Duterte's age
- March 2025
- Arrest and transfer
- November
- Trial start date
Why it mattersThe trial is one of the ICC's biggest cases. It tests the court's power to prosecute sitting leaders for mass killing campaigns.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the case sets a precedent for international accountability that affects how Australia engages with the ICC and its obligations.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
