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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court on Wednesday to face charges over his deadly anti-drug campaign.
The 81-year-old former leader, who previously skipped hearings citing ill health, sat in court in a dark suit as proceedings opened.
Judge Joanna Korner acknowledged his first physical appearance and noted he could leave the bench at any time.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity involving at least 76 alleged murders between 2013 and 2018, making him the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the tribunal.
The status hearing aimed to resolve logistical details ahead of the trial, which Judge Korner scheduled to begin on November 30.
Prosecutors allege that Duterte created a death squad during his tenure as Davao City mayor before expanding the campaign nationwide as president.
Summing up the prosecution’s case, Julian Nicholls stated, “He promised to kill thousands, and he did.”
Victims’ attorneys expect total casualties to reach into the thousands and hope the trial encourages more families to step forward.
Defence attorneys maintain Duterte’s innocence, calling the charges politically motivated and arguing he urged law enforcement to use force only in self-defence.
Furthermore, his legal team contends that severe cognitive decline leaves him unfit for trial.
Defence submissions cite expert evaluations indicating Duterte experiences severe memory loss, believes he is living in 2007 or 2008, and cannot name the current US president.
Judges are currently evaluating undisclosed medical reports to rule on his mental competency.
