Duterte Participates in ICC Hearing via Video Link After Flight from Philippines

Rodrigo Duterte attended an ICC hearing via video link after his long flight from the Philippines to the Netherlands. Acknowledging his fatigue, Judge Iulia Motoc allowed this arrangement. Duterte is facing accusations of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign that led to numerous extrajudicial killings.

Rodrigo Duterte, the 79-year-old former President of the Philippines, attended an International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing via video link due to exhaustion after traveling from the Philippines to the Netherlands. The presiding judge, Iulia Motoc, acknowledged his extensive journey and the significant time difference that contributed to his fatigue.

Duterte appeared visibly frail dressed in a blue suit and tie, confirming his identity and age in the session. Following his arrival in the Netherlands from Manila, he was taken into custody by ICC authorities based on an arrest warrant issued by the court.

He is facing serious allegations from prosecutors, including crimes against humanity, related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. This campaign reportedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users, attributed to armed death squads that Duterte is accused of creating and empowering to execute extrajudicial killings.

In summary, Rodrigo Duterte attended the ICC hearing remotely due to fatigue from his journey, where he faces serious charges connected to systemic human rights violations during his presidency. His situation underscores the ongoing legal challenges he is confronting regarding his administration’s controversial anti-drug policies, which resulted in significant casualties among civilians.

Original Source: www.scmp.com