ICC Denies Duterte’s Pleas Ahead of Charges Hearing
In a unanimous decision, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber rejects a request to compel the prosecution to provide additional identifying information about certain witnesses and to submit less-redacted versions of key documents, including the charges and the pre-confirmation brief, according to reports.
The judges also deny a motion to disqualify the external legal representatives of victims of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, ruling that his lawyers have not demonstrated a sufficient conflict of interest or legal impediment to justify removing the victims’ counsel.
The four-day confirmation of charges hearing, starting Monday, will determine whether there are substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed crimes against humanity in connection with killings linked to his anti-drug operations, first as mayor of Davao City and later as president from 2016 to 2022.
The detained ex-president will not attend the hearing, either in person or online, having waived his right to participate, citing both his rejection of the ICC’s jurisdiction and health concerns.
Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, joined by Reine Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera, states that current redactions—which conceal only information that could identify victims and witnesses—appropriately balance public proceedings with the court’s obligation under the Rome Statute to protect the safety and dignity of those involved.
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