ICC says Duterte required to physically attend trial ‘on a daily basis’

MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III reminded the defense team of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte that he is expected to be physically present once the trial starts by the end of the month.


During Monday’s status conference, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said they only allowed Duterte to be absent since the status conference is not expected to be lengthy.

However, she reiterated that Duterte’s appearance is required once the trial starts.

“We’ve agreed exceptionally because this is not likely to be a particularly lengthy status conference, that Mr. Duterte need not attend this morning,” Korner told Lead Counsel Peter Haynes.

“But once the trial starts, we will expect attendance on a daily basis,” she added.

Duterte earlier waived his right to appear at the hearing, after previously attending the third and fourth status conferences.

Duterte, 81, had appeared by video link when he was first brought to the court in The Hague and skipped hearings, before appearing at the third status conference of his case in September.

He is the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world’s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his offensive against drug users and sellers.

The ICC has set November 30 as the start date of the trial, which could take months or even years.