Duterte not in courtroom for first ICC drug war hearing

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has failed to attend in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the opening of the crimes against humanity hearing over his deadly crackdown on narcotics.

The 79-year-old, the first ex-Asian head of state to face charges at the ICC, followed by videolink during a short hearing to inform him of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant.

Sounding frail and wearing a blue suit and tie, he spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth. Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc allowed him to follow proceedings in absentia due to his long flight to The Hague.

His lawyer Salvador Medialdea told the court his client had been "abducted from his country."

"He was summarily transported to The Hague. To lawyers it's extrajudicial rendition. For less legal minds it's pure and simple kidnapping," said Mr Medialdea.

Mr Medialdea also said Duterte was suffering "debilitating medical issues," adding: "Other than to identify himself, he is not able to contribute to this hearing."

Duterte appeared sleepy during the proceedings, closing his eyes frequently for long periods.

But Judge Motoc told Mr Duterte: "The court doctor was of the opinion that you were fully mentally aware and fit".

She set a date of 23 September for the next stage of the process, a hearing to confirm the charges.

Mr Duterte is charged with "murder as a crime against humanity" over his deadly war on drugs.

Mr Duterte was sought by the ICC over his years-long campaign against drug dealers and users that rights groups said killed tens of thousands of people.

As he landed in The Hague, the former leader appeared to accept responsibility for his actions, saying in a Facebook video: "I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible."

His arrest in Manila came amid a meltdown in relations between his family and the Marcos family, who had previously joined forces to run the Philippines.

Current President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice-President Sara Duterte - Mr Duterte's daughter - are at loggerheads, with the latter facing an impeachment trial over charges including an alleged assassination plot against Mr Marcos.

Ms Duterte is in The Netherlands to support her father, after describing his arrest as "oppression and persecution".

But victims of the "war on drugs" hope that he will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.

Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing victims, said: "My clients are very thankful to God because their prayers have been answered."

"The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law," Mr Andres added.

The high-profile case comes at a critical moment for the ICC, as it faces unprecedented pressure from all sides, including US sanctions.

Last month, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the court over what he said were "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel."

The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza war.

Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan hailed Mr Duterte's arrest as a key moment for victims and international justice as a whole.

"Many say that international law is not as strong as we want, and I agree with that. But as I also repeatedly emphasise, international law is not as weak as some may think," Mr Khan said in a statement following Mr Duterte's arrival in ICC custody.

"When we come together ... when we build partnerships, the rule of law can prevail. Warrants can be executed," he said.

At the initial hearing, a suspect can request interim release pending a trial, according to ICC rules.

Following that first hearing, the next phase is a session to confirm the charges, at which point a suspect can challenge the prosecutor's evidence.

Only after that hearing will the court decide whether to press ahead with a trial, a process that could take several months or even years.

"It's important to underline, as we now start a new stage of proceedings, that Mr. Duterte is presumed innocent," said Mr Khan.