International Criminal Court holds hearings on former Philippine president Duterte

February 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

International Criminal Court holds hearings on former Philippine president Duterte

International Criminal Court Holds Pre-Trial Hearings for Former Philippine President

The International Criminal Court (ICC) began its pre-trial hearings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on [date]. The proceedings took place outside the ICC’s headquarters, where a group of human rights activists and family members of victims marched in protest.

Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity, which are being investigated by the ICC. The court has received complaints from various sources, including individuals who claim to have been affected by Duterte’s policies during his presidency.

The pre-trial hearings are a crucial step in the investigation process, allowing the ICC to gather more information about the alleged crimes and determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a full trial. During these hearings, the court will review documents, witness statements, and other evidence related to the allegations against Duterte.

The protests outside the ICC’s headquarters were organized by human rights groups and family members of victims who claim to have been affected by Duterte’s policies. They expressed their concerns about the investigation and called for accountability from those responsible for alleged crimes.

The ICC has a mandate to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court’s decisions are based on the evidence presented during the pre-trial hearings and any subsequent trials that may be held.

The proceedings will continue over the coming weeks, with further updates expected in the near future.

Source: Al Jazeera