ICC Issues Rules For Duterte Trial

Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued the protocols for the conduct of the upcoming crimes against humanity trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

In a 23-page decision released on Friday night, June 19, the ICC Trial Chamber III laid down the directions for the conduct of the trial proceedings scheduled to begin on Nov. 30. 

The directions formally set the deadline for the submission of various pre-trial documents, including the trial briefs containing the witnesses that the parties intend to present during trial. 

The prosecution was given until Aug. 31 to submit its trial brief, while the common legal representatives of the victims (CLRV) and the defense have until Sept. 28 and Oct. 30, respectively. 

The trial would begin with the opening statements from the parties, to be followed by the presentation of witnesses. 

“The Chamber will issue a separate decision on the length and timing of the presentation of evidence by the prosecution after receipt of the prosecution’s final list of evidence,” the decision read. 

“Directions regarding the length of the defense’s presentation of evidence, as well as the CLRVs’ presentation of evidence, should leave be granted, if any, will be issued at a later stage of the proceedings,” it added. 

The judges also approved the guidelines for the presentation of witnesses and other evidence, including those that are documentary, digital or physical in nature.

The guidelines also include specific directions regarding in-court protective or special measures for witnesses, as well as the use of private or closed sessions.

Public versions of filings and transcripts of court hearings, which will include redactions of sensitive information, will also be released throughout the trial phase.

The ICC Trial Chamber III will hold the second status conference on Tuesday, June 23. Duterte was again allowed to skip the proceedings.