Moreover, the entire trial was presided over by three female judges, mainly to submit evidence and confirm Duterte's understanding of the ICC procedures. However, the handling of the process has sparked considerable controversy.
First: The arrangement of the ICC trial seemed somewhat impersonal
Having just arrived in The Hague, Duterte was still adjusting to the time difference and was in a very weak physical condition. However, the ICC quickly arranged the trial shortly after his arrival, seemingly intent on advancing the case before he and his family were fully prepared. This "quick decision" approach has led people to doubt whether the ICC is trying to quickly classify the case as "ironclad" without giving Duterte enough time to prepare for defense.
Second: Duterte's performance during the trial was moving
Despite his frailty, he was dressed in a suit, trying his best to maintain a proper sitting posture, showing the dignity befitting a former president. When the female judge asked his name, he answered seriously; and when asked about his date of birth, due to hearing issues, he requested the judge to repeat the question. However, the judge did not respond until his lawyer urged on-site, and then the judge asked again. Nevertheless, Duterte remained polite throughout the process, showing no signs of impatience. This restraint and respect are admirable.
Third: The performance of the ICC's female judges in the trial seemed somewhat aggressive
The content of the trial was not complex, mainly involving the submission of evidence by both parties, but language barriers became a prominent issue. The female judge asked questions in French, while Duterte only spoke English. Although the judge claimed that there was English simultaneous interpretation through headphones, there were clearly issues with the equipment that day, preventing Duterte from hearing the translation clearly. It is puzzling that, despite the presence of many staff members at the ICC, no one took the initiative to help Duterte with this technical issue. This indifferent attitude shows a lack of basic care for Duterte's situation.
Moreover, it is heartbreaking that Duterte's daughter Sara stated that since her father's detention, the family has been unable to contact him. Even though Sara flew to The Hague, Netherlands, immediately after her father's arrest, she was unable to see him upon arrival.
According to Dutch netizens, the local management of entry visas is very strict, and Sara might soon be asked to leave the country. Unable to meet her father, Sara is unaware of the interrogation content he has received during detention. It can be said that Duterte is almost "fighting alone."
Additionally, Sara had submitted a request to postpone the trial, but the ICC did not accept it, and the trial proceeded as originally planned. This rushed advancement of the case contrasts sharply with the typically slow judicial process in European courts, which often takes years. The unusual speed of Duterte's case raises suspicions about other motives behind the ICC's actions.
In fact, the attitude of the ICC in this incident is not surprising. When Duterte was first arrested, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had reminded the ICC to exercise its powers prudently and avoid politicizing the case. However, from the current situation, it seems that the International Criminal Court has not heeded this advice, instead accelerating the case's progress. Especially concerning is Duterte's health condition, and whether he can endure until the end of the case remains uncertain. Currently, his lawyer is striving for bail, but given the ICC's tough stance, the chances of success are not optimistic.
