Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines, appeared virtually at the International Criminal Court due to an arrest linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign. His lawyer condemned the arrest as politically motivated and likened it to kidnapping, while the judge confirmed Duterte's mental fitness for the court proceedings. As stakeholders watched on, protests for and against him unfolded outside the court, reflecting the polarized views on his presidency. A pretrial hearing is scheduled to evaluate evidence for a potential trial.
Duterte's lawyer criticized the treatment of his client, saying it was 'pure and simple kidnapping,' while also claiming his arrest was politically motivated.
Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc confirmed that Duterte was allowed to participate remotely from detention, noting he was deemed mentally fit for the proceedings.
Protests erupted outside the court, illustrating the divided opinions surrounding Duterte's controversial presidency and the ongoing implications of his war on drugs.
The pretrial hearing on September 23 will assess if the evidence against Duterte warrants a full trial regarding his actions during his presidency.
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