Minsk: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend in person his initial appearance hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday afternoon but appeared via video link. The hearing, scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. local time in the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I, was delayed for approximately 30 minutes. The Chamber, presided over by Iulia Antoanella Motoc, comprises three judges.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Motoc explained that Duterte was permitted to attend the hearing remotely due to a recent long-haul flight. The court continued by confirming his identity. Duterte's lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, stated at The Hague-based court that his client had been "abducted from his country" and "summarily transported to The Hague," describing the situation as an "extrajudicial rendition" and likening it to kidnapping.

Medialdea further informed the court that Duterte was facing "debilitating medical issues" and was unable to contribute to the hearing beyond identifying himself. Duterte, aged 79, was detained on Tuesday morning upon his return to Manila from abroad, following an ICC arrest warrant related to his "war on drugs" campaign, a move Duterte has challenged. He was surrendered to the ICC's custody on Wednesday after being transported from Manila to the Netherlands.