Manila, Philippines – Four months after the confirmation hearing on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s charges was postponed, the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered the continuation of the court proceedings.
In a decision, the Pre-Trial Chamber I found that Duterte is fit to stand trial and has the capacity to participate in the trial.
It can be recalled that the Court postponed the initial confirmation hearing, considering the Defense’s submission on Duterte’s deteriorating health and cognitive condition.
In the newest decision, ICC said that they have considered Duterte’s interviews, assessments, and medical examinations and found that he can stand before a trial.
These findings were immediately rejected by Duterte’s camp, submitting an appeal against the decision.
In a notice of appeal, the Defense argued that the Court erred in law and of fact when it disregarded the medical report from their camp’s neurologist and neuropsychologist, indicating findings regarding Duterte’s “deteriorating health” at compromised cognitive condition.
This, the defense says, will be a factor to consider in regards to the necessity of a detention.
With this, they appeal for the reversal of the decision, requesting as well the immediate interim release of Duterte.
ICC SET SCHEDULES, DIRECTIONS ON FPRRD’S CONFIRMATION HEARING
A day before the appeal was filed, the Pre-Trial Chamber I released the schedule and directions in regards to the confirmation hearing of charges next month.
The prosecution, common legal representatives of victims, and the Defense have 30 minutes each for their opening and closing statements.
The prosecution have 2 hours and 30 minutes for their submission of merits, while the CLRv have 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Defense has 3 hours and 30 minutes for their submissions.
These time allocations will be divided in four session days of hearing set on February 23, 24, 26, and 27.
Aside from the schedule of the confirmation hearing, the Court is also in preparation for the hearing on review of detention, done at least once a year after an individual was arrested and detained.
The hearing will focus on the circumstances regarding the necessity of a continued detention on Duterte’s end.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News