đź“·: ICC Trial Chamber III presiding Judge Joanna Korner
The International Criminal Court (ICC) trial chamber has directed detained former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to personally attend the September 7 status conference in his crimes against humanity case.
At Tuesday’s second status conference, presiding Judge Joanna Korner of Trial Chamber III said Duterte’s absence was excused only because the hearing was “relatively short.” Duterte was represented by counsel Peter Haynes.
“I’d rather feel the one on the 7th of September—because by then we’ll have had the reports—is likely to be an important one. And for that, certainly, Mr. Haynes, we would expect Mr. Duterte to be here, unless there’s some medical issue,” Korner stated.
Expert panel reports on Duterte’s condition are due August 18, with parties’ observations to follow by August 31. The chamber also discussed protocols for handling confidential information, reiterating that counsels must refrain from public commentary.
Korner cited past breaches by defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, who gave interviews criticizing ICC rulings despite prior warnings.
“Trials are not conducted by the court of public opinion, but by this court during the course of the proceedings,” she emphasized, warning against misinformation and “fake news” surrounding the case.
The next status conference is scheduled for July 14, followed by meetings on September 7, October 13, and November 2. The full trial is set to open on November 30. # (ZIA LUNA)
