ICC holds first status conference for Duterte charges

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III on Wednesday held the first status conference for the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Similar to previous hearings conducted by the ICC, the 81-year-old was again a no-show after the chamber granted his right to skip the proceedings.

According to the ICC, the status conference will tackle the commencement date of the trial and deadlines leading up to the trial, the anticipated evidence, agreed facts, the languages to be used by the parties, and disclosure obligations.

The agenda also includes the prosecution’s assessment regarding potential addition of incidents, provision of trial briefs and other matters, motions requiring resolution, the participation of victims, and protocols.

“The status conference will be public. However, in order to avoid disclosure of sensitive information regarding witness protection and security issues, the Chamber may order the use of private sessions,” the Trial Chamber III said.

Duterte is facing charges of alleged crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder in his war on illegal drugs as Davao City mayor and later as President.

He is now represented by British lawyer Peter Haynes following the withdrawal of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. — JMA, GMA News