Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend his first court hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday.
Duterte, 79, is tired after flying from the Philippines to the Netherlands after his arrest and was allowed to attend the session via video link, Judge Iulia Motock told the court.
He “was a long journey with a considerable amount of time,” she said.
Duterte, appearing frail in a blue suit and tie, confirmed his identity and age.
Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday and gained custody of the ICC after being arrested by authorities on an ICC warrant.
Prosecutors accused him of crimes against humanity for what they called systematic attacks on civilians.
Thousands of drug dealers and users were killed during crackdowns where he created and armed deaths allegedly committed widespread extrajudicial killings.
Duterte arrived at Rotterdam Airport on a chartered plane on Wednesday and was transferred from the ICC Building across the road to a detention force on the Dutch coast. In a video message on social media, he took responsibility for his actions.
Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is set to become the first former Asian head of state to be tried in the ICC, a last resort court, to indict individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggression and genocide more than 20 years ago.
During the initial appearance, the judge usually summarises allegations against the suspect. Duterte will be represented by the court-appointed Defense Council and his former Executive Secretary, Salvador Medialdea.
The elderly former president is also asked about his condition and the state of detention.
Duterte says he is suffering from a range of illnesses, including chronic neuromuscular disorders, back problems, migraines and conditions that can cause blockage of blood vessels.
Duterte’s surrender to the court marks a major victory for Secretary Karim Khan, who faces US sanctions over a warrant for Israeli arrest against Benjamin Netanyahu.
After their first appearance, the court will set up a confirmation of the charge hearing in months when the prosecutor can present a portion of the evidence, allowing the judge to determine the charges found in the indictment. The trial is not expected to begin until early 2026.
