{
  "id": 7757147,
  "title": "Duterte appears in person at ICC for first time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/duterte-appears-in-person-at-icc-for-first-time-7757147",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T09:08:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/09/16/duterte-appears-in-person-at-icc-for-first-time"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The International Criminal Court (ICC) witnessed a historic first on Wednesday when former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the court for the first time. The 81-year-old Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for his brutal \"war on drugs\" that resulted in thousands of deaths.\n\nDressed in a dark suit and white shirt without a tie, the former president seemed disoriented, resting his chin on his hands as proceedings commenced. Judge Joanna Korner acknowledged Duterte's appearance, stating he could leave the court at any moment without permission. This was the first time Duterte had faced the ICC in person, previously appearing via video link when first brought to the court.\n\nProsecutors allege Duterte's involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his fight against drug users and sellers. The trial, set to commence on November 30, could span months or even years. The only other time Duterte was seen after his arrest in March 2025 was during an initial video appearance, where he appeared confused and struggled to speak clearly.\n\nDuterte's defense team argued that he is not mentally fit to understand the proceedings and that his condition is deteriorating. They provided medical reports showing memory impairment, believing he was living in the 2000s and citing incorrect details like the current US president's name. The defense claims Duterte thinks he is in 2007 or 2008 and is 84 or 85 years old.\n\nThe prosecution contends that Duterte personally orchestrated the killings and ran a death squad while serving as mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines. They present evidence suggesting thousands of murders, with lawyers for victims arguing a fair trial would allow more families to come forward with their stories. Despite this, Duterte remains popular in the Philippines, with many supporting his tough stance on crime.",
  "summary": "The 81-year-old former Philippine president had skipped various hearings, with his defence team citing poor health as he faces charges of crimes against humanity.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Duterte appears in person at ICC for first time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/duterte-appears-in-person-at-icc-for-first-time",
        "published": "2026-09-16T09:08:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Philippines' Duterte seen in person for first time at International Criminal Court",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/philippines-duterte-seen-in-person-for-first-time-at-international",
        "published": "2026-09-16T10:39:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "Former Philippines leader Duterte appears before ICC judges for first time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/former-philippines-leader-duterte-appears-before-icc-judges-for-first",
        "published": "2026-09-16T11:00:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Philippines ex‑leader Duterte makes first in‑person ICC appearance on crimes‑against‑humanity charges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/philippines-ex-leader-duterte-makes-first-in-person-icc-appearance-on",
        "published": "2026-09-16T11:04:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}