In front of the buildings of the International Criminal Court (ICC), supporters of Rodrigo Duterte waved Philippine flags and portraits of their hero, with shouts of "freedom!" The archipelago's former president, who was transferred by Manila to The Hague on Tuesday, made his first appearance before the Court's judges on Friday, March 14. On the opposite side, another demonstration brought together a handful of people shouting "Justice!" and brandishing other portraits: those of their relatives who fell victim to bullets during the Duterte regime's "war on drugs." According to NGOs, tens of thousands died in this war.

The ICC prosecutor's arrest warrant states that Duterte created the Davao Death Squad before becoming president of the Philippines (2016-2022) and making his war on drugs state policy. Duterte then reportedly gave license to kill anyone connected with drug trafficking – in fact, often the weakest, drug addicts and small-time dealers. The former leader is now facing charges of crimes against humanity for these murders.

In The Hague, the ICC judges decided to hold the hearing on Friday, March 14, whatever the cost. Never mind the six-hour time difference and some 24 hours of travel – in a private jet – undertaken by the 79-year-old, since his arrest on Tuesday at the Manila International Airport. Too tired to come all the way to the court, located 1.5 kilometers from the prison, he attended the hearing by videoconference.

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