Key facts
- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
- Duterte is facing charges over his administration's war on drugs.
- His lawyers argue his deteriorating health and memory impairment make him unfit to stand trial.
- Prosecutors contend otherwise regarding his fitness.
- The ICC is examining killings from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for a hearing to determine his fitness to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his administration's controversial war on drugs, which resulted in tens of thousands of alleged summary executions. Duterte, 81, wore a dark suit and white shirt and was seen in person for the first time since his arrest 18 months ago. Previously, he had appeared via video link and missed multiple hearings. His lawyers, including Peter Haynes, argue that Duterte suffers from "significant memory impairment" due to conditions like myasthenia gravis, making him unfit to engage with his legal team. Prosecutors, however, contend that he is fit to stand trial. The ICC is investigating killings that occurred between November 1, 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao, and March 16, 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the court. The hearing is scheduled to begin in November.