Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes first appearance before the ICC in The Hague
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared for the first time before the International Criminal Court's Pre-Trial Chamber I on 14 March 2025, by video link from the ICC Detention Centre.
Summary
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former President of the Philippines, appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 14 March 2025. He is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019, during the 'war on drugs'. The Chamber had issued an arrest warrant on 7 March, and Duterte was surrendered to the Court on 12 March. He took part by video link from the ICC Detention Centre, represented by Salvador C. Medialdea. The Chamber provisionally set the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 September 2025; it was later postponed and held in February 2026.
Key facts
- First appearance
- 14 March 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I, ICC
- Charge (suspected)
- Crime against humanity of murder
- Period
- 1 November 2011 – 16 March 2019
- Arrest warrant
- 7 March 2025; surrendered 12 March
- Confirmation hearing
- Provisionally set for 23 September 2025
- ICC seat
- The Hague, Netherlands
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which former head of state made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rodrigo Duterte
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on 14 March 2025.
Of which crime is Rodrigo Duterte suspected in the ICC case?
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Correct answer: B — Crime against humanity of murder
The ICC says Duterte is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
Consider the following statements about Rodrigo Duterte's first appearance before the ICC: 1. He appeared in person in the courtroom in The Hague. 2. The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: he took part by video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorised by the Chamber. Statement 2 is correct; the hearing was later postponed.