ICC OKs more time for prosecution's observation on expert report on Duterte's fitness

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution on Tuesday requested the Trial Chamber III to extend the deadline of the filing of their observation on the expert report regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s fitness for trial.

“Really, what we’re asking for is one more week to file our observations. And, of course, if necessary, another week for the defense and our friends at the CLRV,” Prosecutor Julian Nicholls said during the second status conference.

To recall, the Trial Chamber III ordered a medical examination anew for Duterte to find out whether he is fit to stand trial on November 30.

The Trial Chamber III directed the experts to file their report by August 18 and the ICC Registry to make its submission by August 24.

Meanwhile, the parties were given until August 31 to file their observations.

Nicholls, however, said the prosecution will also submit their pre-trial brief, list of witnesses, list of evidence, and complete their disclosure on the same date.

“I’m sort of asking for mercy. This will drop on us and we can’t start writing it early during that last week as well, when we expect to be extremely busy,” he said.

“And depending on what the outcome is of the reports we receive on the 24th. It may or may not be quite a lot of work,” he added.

Duterte’s defense team and the common legal representatives of the victims did not oppose the prosecution’s appeal.

Following this, the Trial Chamber III granted the prosecution’s request.

“It’s alright. We will be merciful as it is early on. You may have the extra week,” Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said.

Duterte is facing charges for crimes against humanity over alleged killings during his time as President and Davao City mayor.

At the start of the status conference, Korner said the Trial Chamber III excused Duterte’s attendance, but added that the reason was this was a relatively short hearing.

In response, Duterte’s counsel, Peter Haynes, said the former President is “fully aware that you will expect to see him sooner rather than later.” — JMA, GMA News