Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Friday after being arrested earlier in the week on charges of crimes against humanity. The 79-year-old leader faces accusations of mass murder during his controversial anti-drug campaign while in office from 2016 to 2022.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan alleges that Duterte used extrajudicial killings and “death squads” to eliminate suspected drug criminals, resulting in the deaths of over 6,000 people, according to Philippine police estimates. The ICC claims Duterte’s actions amount to a “widespread and systematic attack” against civilians. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2018, the court asserts jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to that date.
Duterte, who remained mostly silent during the hearing, was permitted to follow proceedings remotely due to the long flight from the Philippines. His arrest warrant was issued on February 10, and he was taken into custody on Tuesday before being flown to The Hague.
His daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, has strongly condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on national sovereignty. She accused current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of orchestrating the arrest following a public feud between their families. Duterte supporters, including thousands gathered in prayer rallies across the Philippines, argue that his anti-drug policies were necessary to combat rampant drug-related crime.
Meanwhile, Duterte remains a candidate for mayor of Davao City, a position he previously held for decades. Philippine election officials confirmed he is still eligible to run despite the ICC case. The arrest has deepened political divisions in the Philippines, with protests both supporting and opposing Duterte’s prosecution.
The case has ignited international debate over the ICC’s authority and its ability to prosecute former heads of state. Supporters argue that Duterte’s trial is a necessary step toward justice for the victims of his drug war, while critics claim the ICC is overstepping its jurisdiction and undermining Philippine sovereignty. The Philippine government, which has not formally opposed the arrest, now faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international factions, with human rights groups calling for accountability and Duterte loyalists demanding his immediate release.
