Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte did not attend his first court hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday, where he faces murder allegations stemming from his “war on drugs”.
The 79-year-old Duterte was tired after flying to the Netherlands from the Philippines following his arrest and was permitted to attend the session via video link, Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc told the court.
He had “a long journey with considerable time difference”, she said.
Duterte, wearing a blue suit and tie and appearing frail, confirmed his identity and age.
Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday and was taken into ICC custody after being arrested by authorities on an ICC warrant.
Prosecutors have accused him of crimes against humanity for what they call a systematic attack on the civilian population.
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