Why the ICC is cracking down on ‘fake news’ as Duterte trial looms

4 articles

3 sources

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Updated 18.9.2026

Key Topics & People

Rodrigo Duterte *International Criminal Court war on drugs Philippines The Hague

Coverage Framing

Legal & Judicial(3)

Human Rights(1)

Avg Factuality:75%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Sep 18 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

fake newsiccduterte trialcrimes against humanityphilippines

Legal & Judicial(1)

South China Morning PostSep 18

Why the ICC is cracking down on ‘fake news’ as Duterte trial looms

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing significant challenges as former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's crimes-against-humanity trial approaches. At a recent status conference, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner instructed prosecutors to reduce their witness list and evidence due to the complexity of the case and the health of the 81-year-old former president. Judge Korner also issued a warning to lawyers against using the media in ways that could promote "fake news." The court is working to manage the extensive prosecution and protect the proceedings within a highly charged media environment. The trial is scheduled to open on November 30.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Negative

Key Claims

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Presiding Judge Joanna Korner urged prosecutors to trim their witness list and evidence for the upcoming trial.

— Presiding Judge Joanna Korner

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Judge Joanna Korner warned lawyers against using the media in ways that could fuel 'fake news'.

— Presiding Judge Joanna Korner

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Rodrigo Duterte's crimes-against-humanity trial is scheduled to open on November 30.

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The ICC faces challenges managing Rodrigo Duterte's crimes-against-humanity trial, including a sprawling case and a charged media environment.

Sep 16 Evening

2 articles|2 sources

war on drugsinternational criminal courtrodrigo dutertecrimes against humanityphilippine president

Human Rights(1)

Al JazeeraSep 16

Duterte in person at ICC for first time over ‘war on drugs’ killings

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the first time for proceedings related to his "war on drugs." Prosecutors accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity, alleging he created and funded death squads responsible for killings of drug users and dealers. The trial, scheduled to begin on November 30, will cover alleged murders between 2013 and 2018 in Davao City and during his presidency. Duterte denies the charges, claiming he ordered police to act in self-defense. His lawyers have argued he is unfit for trial due to memory loss, but judges previously ruled he was healthy enough to stand trial and ordered his presence.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources

Negative

Legal & Judicial(1)

BBC News - WorldSep 16

Philippines' Duterte seen in person at International Criminal Court for first time

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the first time. He is facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs, which resulted in tens of thousands of alleged summary executions of small-time drug dealers. Duterte, 81, attended a status hearing on Wednesday, 18 months after his arrest in Manila, having previously appeared via video link and missed hearings. His lawyers argued his deteriorating health made him unfit to stand trial. The ICC is investigating killings that occurred between November 2011 and March 2019. The first trial date is scheduled for November.

MeasuredFactual

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Key Claims

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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity for killings during his “war on drugs“.

— ICC Prosecutors

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Prosecutors accuse Duterte of creating, funding and arming death squads that targeted drug users and dealers.

— ICC Prosecutors

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Duterte denies the charges, saying he only ordered police to act in self-defence.

— Rodrigo Duterte

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The charges cover Duterte’s alleged role in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018.

— ICC Prosecutors

Sep 16 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

international criminal courtwar on drugsmurder chargescrimes against humanityhealth assessment

Legal & Judicial(1)

South China Morning PostSep 16

Malingering or memory loss? Duterte to appear in ICC courtroom for assessment

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to appear at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday. This appearance marks his first public engagement since his transfer to The Hague 18 months ago to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs. Judges will hear arguments concerning Duterte's health and his capacity to stand trial, which is slated to commence in November. His legal team contends that he is experiencing cognitive decline and is not fit to proceed. The ICC prosecutor and Duterte's defense have submitted documents reacting to a court-ordered medical assessment, though its findings have not been publicly disclosed.

MeasuredFactual

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Key Claims

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Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appear in public for the first time on Wednesday since being transferred to the ICC 18 months ago.

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Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly creating, funding, and arming death squads.

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His lawyers argue he suffers from cognitive decline and is not well enough to stand trial.

— Duterte's lawyers

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Judges will hear arguments about his health and ability to stand trial, scheduled to begin in November.