Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Not Attending First Trial At The Hague ICC Court

JAKARTA - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend his first trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Duterte faces charges of murder related to the "war against drugs" program.

The 79-year-old Duterte was exhausted after flying to the Netherlands from the Philippines following his arrest and was allowed to attend the hearing via video link, Chief Judge Iulia Motoc told the court.

He made "long trips with a sizeable time difference," he said.

Duterte wore a blue suit and tie and looked weak, confirming his identity and age.

Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday and was detained by the ICC after being arrested by authorities under an ICC warrant.

Prosecutors accuse him of crimes against humanity over what they call a systematic attack on civilians.

Thousands of people suspected of being drug dealers and users were killed during the crackdown, as the killing squad he alleged created and armed with carried out widespread killings.

Duterte arrived at Rotterdam airport on a chartered plane on Wednesday and was transferred to a detention unit on the Dutch coast at the end of the road from the ICC building.

In a video message on social media, he asserts responsibility for his actions.

Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, will be the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the ICC, the last court formed more than two decades ago to hear individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggression, and genocide.

During the initial trial, judges usually summarize accusations against suspects, who would not be asked to file a defense.

Duterte will be represented by a court-appointed defense council and former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.