former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, is set to make his initial appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to confront charges of crimes against humanity related to his lethal war on drugs.
“The Chamber considers it appropriate for the first appearance of Mr Duterte to take place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at 14:00 hours (13:00 GMT),” the court announced in a statement on Thursday.
Duterte is accused of the crime against humanity of murder stemming from his ongoing campaign against drug users and dealers, which human rights groups claim has resulted in as many as 30,000 deaths.
At 79 years of age, Duterte has become the first-ever Asian leader to face charges before the international tribunal, after being handed over by the Philippines to the ICC in The Hague on Wednesday.
During Friday’s hearing, Duterte will be presented before judges to be informed about the alleged crimes and his rights as a defendant.
Upon arriving in the Netherlands on Wednesday, Duterte hinted at taking responsibility for his actions, stating in a Facebook video, “I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible.”
Duterte’s prompt arrest in Manila and his subsequent transfer to the ICC occurred amid a sharp deterioration in relations between his family and the Marcos family, who had previously joined forces in the 2022 Philippines presidential elections.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte – Rodrigo’s daughter – are at odds, with Sara currently facing an impeachment trial on charges including an alleged assassination plot against Marcos.
Sara Duterte is in the Netherlands to support her father, describing his arrest as “oppression and persecution”.
Gilbert Andres, a lawyer for victims of the drug war, stated that Duterte’s arrest “signals a strong stance for international criminal justice, indicating that no one is above the law”.
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan also commended Duterte’s arrest as a pivotal moment for victims and international justice.
“It’s crucial to emphasize that, as we enter this new phase of proceedings, Mr Duterte is presumed innocent,” Khan stated.