Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link, citing health reasons for not being able to appear in person. Duterte’s legal team argued that he was “kidnapped” from the Philippines to face charges at the ICC.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity for his violent anti-drug campaign during his tenure as president from 2016 to 2022. The ICC prosecutor alleges that Duterte’s campaign resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users.
During the hearing, Duterte’s legal team argued that the ICC did not have jurisdiction over him as a former head of state. They also questioned the legality of his arrest and transfer to the ICC, claiming it violated his rights.
Duterte’s appearance at the ICC comes amid growing international pressure for accountability for his actions during his presidency. Human rights groups have long criticized Duterte for his violent anti-drug campaign and called for him to be held accountable for the deaths of thousands of individuals.
The ICC has yet to decide on the admissibility of the case and whether it has jurisdiction over Duterte. The former president’s appearance at the ICC has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over accountability for human rights abuses committed by world leaders.
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