The International Criminal Court has directed arrangements for Tagalog interpretation during the opening of former President Rodrigo Duterte's trial, enabling broadcasts in local languages for viewers in the Philippines.
The ruling followed the trial's first status conference last week. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner instructed the ICC registry to prepare interpretation services, noting the value of ensuring opening statements are accessible to those in the Philippines.
Senior trial lawyer Julian Nicholls urged quick action to hire interpreters. He pointed out strong public interest in the case, especially among victims' communities with limited English proficiency.
The court set the trial start for November 30, conditional on a finding that Duterte is fit to stand trial. The registry had proposed a later January date to allow time for interpreter training.
