Rodrigo Duterte to make first appearance at ICC hearing in the Hague

Rodrigo Duterte is expected to make his first appearance at the international criminal court (ICC) on Friday, as the former Philippines president faces crimes against humanity charges over his deadly “war on drugs”.

The court said in a statement late on Thursday that it “considers it appropriate” for Duterte to appear Friday at 2pm local time (1pm GMT).

At the hearing, the 79-year-old will be informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant.