The International Criminal Court on Monday opened pre-trial proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly anti-drug campaign carried out during his time in office.

Duterte, 80, did not appear in the courtroom in The Hague, having waived his right to attend the session. Prosecutors began outlining evidence they say ties him to dozens of killings carried out as part of his controversial “war on drugs,” both during his presidency and earlier tenure as mayor of Davao City.

The hearing marks a procedural step rather than the start of a full trial. Judges will review the prosecution’s evidence and have up to 60 days to decide whether to confirm the charges and proceed to trial.

Duterte has rejected the allegations, previously calling them “an outrageous lie.”

Last month, ICC judges ruled that Duterte is medically fit to stand trial after delaying earlier proceedings over concerns about his health.

Human rights organizations and families of victims welcomed the court’s action, describing it as long-awaited progress toward accountability. Some relatives of those killed during anti-drug operations spoke publicly ahead of the hearing, recounting the deaths of loved ones and calling for justice.

Supporters of Duterte, however, criticized the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for arresting and transferring the former leader to the ICC, whose jurisdiction they dispute. Among his critics is Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has announced plans to run for president in 2028.

The ICC first announced a preliminary examination into the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign in 2018. Shortly afterward, Duterte initiated the country’s withdrawal from the court. However, ICC judges later ruled that the withdrawal does not deprive the court of jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member state. An appeal of that ruling remains pending.

Estimates of the number of people killed during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign vary widely, ranging from more than 6,000 deaths reported by Philippine police to as many as 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

The case now moves forward as judges determine whether sufficient evidence exists to bring Duterte to trial.