Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the ICC. He attended a hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Wednesday. Duterte faces charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign in the Philippines. The 81-year-old previously attended initial court proceedings via video link. His defense team had cited health concerns for his earlier absences.

Evaluating Fitness For Trial And Scheduling Details

Judge Joanna Korner noted his presence and outlined the logistical details of the case. Prosecutors allege Duterte is responsible for numerous deaths during his time as mayor and president. They claim his tough approach to crime resulted in widespread extrajudicial killings. Duterte's defense lawyers maintain his innocence and argue the charges are politically motivated. They claim he only ordered authorities to use lethal force in self-defense.

The defense also raised concerns about his current cognitive health and memory function. Judges ordered a medical assessment by independent experts to determine his fitness for trial. Relatives of individuals killed during the campaign welcomed his appearance in court. The trial is officially scheduled to begin on November 30. This marks the first time an Asian former head of state faces an ICC trial.

A Long Road To Justice For Affected Families

The proceedings could potentially last for several months or years. The true number of killings during the campaign is thought to be in the thousands. Lawyers for the victims hope a full trial encourages more families to come forward. Duterte remains popular in the Philippines among those who favored his tough stance. The international community continues to monitor the developments in this landmark case.

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