Former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, is set to make his first appearance at the International Criminal Court in the Hague on Friday to face charges of crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his controversial war on drugs, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
Duterte, known for his tough stance on crime and drugs, has been vocal in defending his actions, stating that he takes full responsibility for any killings that occurred during his efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Philippines.
As the 79-year-old leader arrived in the Hague on Wednesday, he remained defiant, emphasizing that he had instructed both the police and the military to carry out the operations and that he was prepared to face the consequences.
A brief hearing is scheduled to take place at 2pm local time at the court’s headquarters, with protests expected to unfold outside in both support and opposition to Duterte. This marks a significant moment, as Duterte becomes the first Asian head of state to face charges at the ICC.
The allegations against Duterte include numerous murders that took place as part of his aggressive campaign against drug users and dealers. The outcome of this hearing could have far-reaching implications for both Duterte and the international community, as the world watches closely to see how justice will be served in this high-profile case.
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Video “LIVE: Duterte appears at International Criminal Court in the Hague” was uploaded on 03/14/2025 to Youtube Channel The Times and The Sunday Times