Duterte camp requests ICC for an independent 'expert report' on risks

Following the denial of their interim release appeal, the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an independent expert report on risk factors under an article of the Rome Statute.

In an 8-page request dated December 19, Duterte’s camp sought clinical expertise from the same panel appointed by the Pre-Trial Chamber I to assess Duterte’s fitness.

They asked the court to direct the panel to prepare a report, on the basis of existing medical findings, regarding Duterte’s capacity to actualise the risk factors set in Article 58(1)(b).

To recall, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I previously denied Duterte's request for interim release, finding that his continued detention was necessary under Article 58(1) of the Statute.

The Appeals Chamber later denied Duterte’s appeal on the rejection, finding that the Pre-Trial Chamber reached its conclusions in relation to the risks based on a comprehensive assessment.

However, Duterte’s camp said that the Pre-Trial Chamber declined to integrate Duterte’s medical condition into the assessment of risk factors.

“In light of previous rulings on matters pertaining to Mr Duterte’s cognitive state, the Defence is presently unable to substantiate its medical submissions other than through the Panel that the Pre-Trial Chamber has deemed to be independent,” it said.

“Accordingly, the Defence requests that the Pre-Trial Chamber order the Panel to provide an opinion, on the basis of its collective clinical examination, as to Mr Duterte’s current ability to actualise the risk factors under Article 58(1)(b),” it added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News