Former Philippine President's Lawyer Talks Rantang To ICC Judge: Rodrigo Duterte Kidnapped

JAKARTA - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was called "culled" before being taken to The Hague to face charges of murder.

This was conveyed by lawyer Rodrigo Duterte to the judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) when he first appeared on Friday, March 14 in court.

Duterte - who arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday after being arrested on an ICC warrant on charges of crimes against humanity - sounded weak as he spoke via video link from detention unit, confirming his name and date of birth for court.

As reported by Reuters on Friday, March 14, Salvadoran defense attorney Medialdea said the former leader was too sick to say more, Duterte's arrest and transfer to the Netherlands was "pure kidnapping".

Duterte's lawyer said his client was suffering from "weakening" medical problems.

Chief Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc responded to a court doctor, who examined Duterte upon arrival, arguing Duterte was "fully conscious and mentally healthy".

The prosecutor accused the 79-year-old man of carrying out a systematic attack on civilians during his tenure.

Thousands of people suspected of being drug dealers and users died in 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, Duterte claims responsibility for his actions.

During the initial trial, the judge summarized the allegations against Duterte, who was not asked to file a defense.

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

Duterte says he is suffering from a series of illnesses including chronic neuromuscular disorders, back problems, migraines, and conditions that can cause blockage in blood vessels.

Duterte's surrender to court marked a major victory for Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces US sanctions over a warrant for his arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

After the initial hearing, the court will likely set a trial for confirming the charges within a few months, when prosecutors can file part of their evidence and the judge decides what charges can be included in the indictment. The trial is expected to start in early 2026.