The Imperfect Trial of Rodrigo Duterte The International Criminal Court has faced numerous controversies in recent years, but the pretrial hearing of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday marked a significant moment for the institution.
For the first time, Duterte appeared in person before judges at the ICC, his 81 year old frame sitting uncomfortably in a courtroom designed to accommodate younger and more agile defendants.
Duterte's appearance was long overdue – he had missed several hearings since his arrest in March 2025, opting instead to participate via videolink.