Philippines ex-leader Duterte makes first appearance at ICC

In a landmark appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made his inaugural public appearance before the court. Facing charges of crimes against humanity, the 81-year-old former leader is accused of involvement in at least 76 murders that occurred between 2013 and 2018 during his war on drugs.

Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt without a tie, Duterte appeared before Judge Joanna Korner, who noted his first physical presence in court. The proceedings commenced, with the judge informing him that he could depart at any moment without seeking permission.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in the killings of suspected drug dealers and users. Prosecutors claim he ran a death squad in Davao City while serving as mayor, and later as president, where he allegedly ordered the execution of thousands during his anti-drug campaign. The true number of killings is estimated to be in the thousands, and victims' lawyers argue that a comprehensive trial could encourage families to come forward with more information.

Duterte's defense team contends that he is not mentally fit to comprehend the proceedings and that his condition continues to decline. They argue he suffers from significant memory impairment, which affects his ability to retain recent information and recall memories. The court has ordered a medical assessment by three experts to determine his mental fitness for trial, but the results have not been made public.

The trial is set to commence on November 30, and could last for months or even years. Duterte remains a popular figure in the Philippines, where many support his tough stance on crime.