The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III on Tuesday’s status conference signalled that the Chamber is expecting the personal appearance of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the upcoming hearings regarding his crimes against humanity case.
During the 2nd status conference on Tuesday, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner noted that Duterte was only allowed to skip the hearing given that it will only be brief.
On June 19, Duterte requested to waive his right to attend the second status conference, granted by the Trial Chamber on the same day.
Lead defense counsel Peter Haynes acknowledged the expectation of the Trial Chamber for Duterte’s appearance at the upcoming conferences.
During the same conference, the trial chamber scheduled the next status conferences on July 14, September 7, October 13, November 2.
Korner emphasized that these schedules remain tentative, and may be cancelled if there will be no discussion needed.
Until August, different parties involved in the case will have observations, reports, and briefs to be filed.
On August 18, the medical experts must submit the new report on the health examination on Duterte. On August 24, the registry is set to file the report of the experts.
The Trial Chamber set ugust 31 as the deadline for the related observations of all the parties.
The Trial Chamber noted that given the submissions, the September 7 conference will have much importance, hence, expecting Duterte’s appearance on the said schedule.