Sep 16, 2026Politics185 words1 min read

Duterte Appears at International Criminal Court

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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been seen in person at the International Criminal Court for the first time.

The court, based in The Hague, is preparing to try him for crimes against humanity.

These charges are linked to his controversial war on drugs while he was president.

Duterte led a strong campaign against illegal drugs in the Philippines.

Thousands of people died during this campaign against drug users and dealers.

The International Criminal Court investigates very serious crimes around the world.

It can act when a country's own courts do not deal with such crimes.

Duterte's appearance marks an important step in the legal process against him.

He is expected to face a full trial in the future.

Human rights groups have long called for justice for the victims.

They say the drug war caused huge suffering across the country.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing in the past.

His case is being closely watched by people around the world.

It could set an important example for other leaders facing similar accusations.

The court has not yet given a date for the full trial.

Vocabulary10 words

International Criminal Court: a court that judges very serious crimes between countries
try: to judge someone in court for a crime
crimes against humanity: very bad acts that harm many innocent people
war on drugs: a strong government campaign against illegal drugs
trial: a legal process where a court decides guilt or innocence
campaign: a planned series of actions to reach a goal
investigates: looks closely into something to find facts
human rights: basic freedoms every person should have
victims: people who are hurt by a crime or event
wrongdoing: bad or illegal behaviour

1. What is Rodrigo Duterte accused of?

2. Where is the International Criminal Court located?

3. What was significant about this appearance at the court?

1. Crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs 2. The Hague 3. It was Duterte's first in-person appearance there

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been seen in person at the International Criminal Court for the first _____.

The court, based in The Hague, is preparing to try him for crimes against _____.

These charges are linked to his controversial war on _____ while he was president.

Duterte led a strong _____ against illegal drugs in the Philippines.

Thousands of people _____ during this campaign against drug users and dealers.

The International Criminal Court investigates very serious _____ around the world.

It can act when a country's own _____ do not deal with such crimes.

Duterte's appearance marks an important step in the legal _____ against him.

Human rights groups have long called for _____ for the victims.

Duterte has _____ any wrongdoing in the past.