FULL HEARING: Rodrigo Duterte faces ICC pre-trial chamber | 60 Second History NEWS
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former President of the Philippines, made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court's Pre-Trial Chamber 1 on Friday, March 14, following his arrest two days earlier related to his administration's controversial war on drugs. The session began at 00:00 with Judge Iulia Motoc welcoming everyone in attendance. By 01:35, the case was officially called. Prosecutor Karim Khan introduced the prosecution team at 02:28, followed by Motoc explaining the virtual attendance arrangements for Duterte at 02:56. Duterte’s legal representative, Salvador Medialdea, introduced himself at 03:30. At 03:43, Motoc introduced the pre-trial chamber, which included Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou and Socorro Flores Liera. Motoc then asked Duterte to confirm his identity, which he did by providing his full name, birthdate, and birthplace at 04:37. At 06:20, Motoc outlined the purpose of the hearing, explaining its scope. The charges against Duterte were read aloud by a court officer at 09:10, and at 10:51, Motoc reminded Duterte of his rights as a suspect in the ICC. Medialdea requested to make a statement at 13:34, and Motoc granted permission. At 14:50, Medialdea described Duterte’s arrest as “pure and simple kidnapping,” and raised concerns about his client’s health and limited consultation time. He reiterated a request to postpone the hearing at 18:20, which was addressed by Motoc at 19:04, who mentioned steps taken to accommodate Duterte’s health. At 20:18, Motoc cited a report confirming that Duterte had been informed of his rights and the details of his arrest warrant. Motoc stressed the hearing’s purpose of informing Duterte about his charges at 21:10. The request for a postponement was denied once more, as Motoc announced at 22:16 that the confirmation of charges hearing was scheduled for September 23, 2025. Motoc concluded the session at 25:27, ordering the prosecution to disclose the basis for the arrest warrant and mentioning that decisions would be made regarding victim participation in future proceedings."
