The International Criminal Court has assured that former president Rodrigo Duterte's defense team will have ample time to prepare for his trial on crimes against humanity charges. A court spokesperson emphasized the commitment to a fair and impartial process. The first status conference is scheduled for May 27.
In an interview with The STAR, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet assured the public of a fair, impartial, and independent trial for former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“The trials at the ICC can be complex, (it) may take a little bit longer than at national level because of the type of crimes that require a large amount of evidence to be presented in court, and some of the challenges that can be met during the proceedings,” Maillet said.
“But we are committed to holding a fair and independent trial, impartial trial, where the defense will have enough time to prepare for its case and where the rights of the victims will be upheld,” she added.
On April 23, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte, paving the way for a full trial. Trial Chamber III, constituted following the decision, will hold its first status conference on May 27. Maillet said trial judges will set the opening schedule based on party submissions.
Duterte’s trial will be public, with proceedings streamed online with some delay. “The judges may decide to hold certain hearings in closed session... if there’s a need to protect the witnesses or the victims,” Maillet said.
