Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte participates via video in ICC pre-trial hearing
The former Philippine leader appeared remotely at a pre-trial session of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He faces allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. Duterte, who has not been seen publicly since March 2025, was moved from Manila airport to a detention facility in the Netherlands. During the hearing he looked fatigued, and he has not attended any further sessions.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage stresses the ICC’s justification for keeping Duterte detained and the risk he poses to the trial, centrist coverage reports his first in-person appearance and related reactions in a neutral tone, while right-leaning coverage highlights the defence’s claim of severe memory loss and questions his fitness for trial.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the story around the court’s decision to keep Duterte detained, emphasizing the lack of new health evidence and the risk of absconding or obstructing proceedings.
CENTER
Center coverage frames the story as a factual report of Duterte’s first physical appearance before the ICC, noting his demeanor, supporters’ reactions, and procedural scheduling.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story around the defence’s allegation of severe memory impairment, casting doubt on Duterte’s ability to participate meaningfully in the trial.
The left emphasises
- no new health data warrants a change in his status
- risk of evading or obstructing the proceedings
- the chamber denied his petition for conditional release
The right emphasises
- defence alleges severe memory loss, sometimes forgetting his lawyer’s name
- memory impairment threatens his ability to understand charges
- ICC judges have ordered a medical evaluation by three experts
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