A recent social media claim asserting that International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Joanna Korner stated former President Rodrigo Duterte was 'kidnapped' during his transfer to The Hague has been debunked.
Misinformation Gains Traction
The erroneous claim emerged on June 3, garnering significant attention with over 14,500 reactions and 1,100 shares. It falsely suggests that Korner's comments were made during a status conference regarding Duterte's case.
However, there are no official records or transcripts from the ICC supporting this assertion. In fact, the court's status conference held on May 27 did not include such statements.
The claim has been rated FALSE as it misrepresents the context of the ICC proceedings.
Fact-Checking Source
Duterte's legal troubles stem from allegations related to his controversial drug war policies, which reportedly led to numerous extrajudicial killings. He was arrested on March 11, 2025, and is currently facing three counts of crimes against humanity.
Legal Context and Background
Since Duterte's arrest, Philippine authorities have stated that the legal procedures followed international standards. The Department of Justice confirmed that his arrest warrant was issued through Interpol, adhering to legal obligations.
- Duterte's trial is set to begin on November 30, 2026.
- The ICC has affirmed its jurisdiction over Duterte's case.
Despite claims from Duterte that his arrest constitutes 'kidnapping,' Philippine officials have consistently refuted this narrative, emphasizing that he was aware of the potential legal repercussions during his presidency.
Continued Misinformation
This misinformation about the ICC and Duterte is not isolated. Several other incorrect claims have circulated, drawing attention to the need for accurate reporting.