Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared in person before the International Criminal Court in The Hague for the first time since his arrest, as he faces trial for crimes against humanity linked to his deadly war on drugs. The 81-year-old had previously only attended hearings by video link and had skipped several sessions, making this appearance a significant moment ahead of his trial, which is due to begin in November. His lawyers argue he is unfit to stand trial due to declining health, a claim prosecutors dispute.

The ICC is examining alleged killings between November 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao, and March 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the court's jurisdiction. His lawyer told the court Duterte suffers from significant memory impairment, while he has previously disclosed having myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition. The case unfolds against a backdrop of political turmoil in the Philippines, with Duterte's daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, locked in a bitter feud with President Ferdinand Marcos and facing her own impeachment trial over allegations including misuse of public funds and threats against Marcos.