ICC Postpones Duterte Trial, Drawing Criticism from Victims’ Groups
THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended proceedings and related deadlines in the case against former Philippine President rodrigo Duterte pending a resolution of questions regarding his fitness to stand trial, a decision swiftly condemned by victims’ groups as a delaying tactic.
Judges Iulia Antonnella Motoc, Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and María del Socorro Flores Liera ruled by majority to halt the trial.The decision comes as Duterte faces accusations of crimes against humanity linked to the thousands of killings during his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.
Victims’ groups Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) denounced the ruling, calling it “another desperate ploy” by Duterte. ”Duterte is notorious for drama and antics of obfuscation.Filipinos have seen this tactic one time too many. We will not fall for a calculated effort to paint himself as aggrieved,” the groups stated in a joint release.
NUPL counsel Neri Colmenares,alongside assisting counsel Kristina Conti,emphasized the need for a swift determination of Duterte’s fitness,arguing he could waive his right to attend hearings under Rule 124 of the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence,authorizing his counsel to represent him. “Victims are determined that the trial on the merits must proceed without unnecessary postponements,” Colmenares saeid.
Both counsel vowed to collaborate with the Office of Public Counsel for Victims at the ICC to expedite the rescheduling of hearings and prevent further delays. While opposing an indefinite adjournment, the prosecution and victims’ counsel indicated openness to a short postponement.
The Chamber ordered prosecutors to submit public, redacted versions of the Document Containing the Charges and the Pre-Confirmation Brief by September 22.Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera issued a dissenting opinion, asserting the Defense request should have been rejected. She argued the Rome Statute designates questions of a suspect’s fitness to stand trial to the Trial Chamber, not the Pre-trial Chamber, and warned the majority’s decision risked misapplying the Statute and causing “unnecessary delay.”
