Duterte appears frail before ICC, declines to comment

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday via video link from a detention unit in The Hague.

Duterte, who was arrested and transferred to the Netherlands earlier this week after being charged with crimes against humanity during his presidency, appeared frail and confirmed his identity but declined to comment further due to illness.

Defense attorney Salvador Medialdea argued that Duterte's arrest and transfer were illegal, describing them as 'pure and simple kidnapping', while the court doctor maintained that Duterte was mentally fit.

The judge summarized the allegations against Duterte, which include systematic attacks on civilians during his tenure from 2016 to 2022, resulting in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

Duterte has taken responsibility for his actions but faces a series of medical issues, including chronic neuromuscular disorder and back problems.

Victims' lawyer described the initial hearing as 'a first step towards justice', emphasizing the significance of the proceedings in pursuing accountability for crimes committed during Duterte's presidency.