DUTERTE MAKES FIRST ICC COURT APPEARANCE

Former president Rodrigo Duterte made his first public appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday, more than 18 months after he was detained in connection with crimes against humanity allegations arising from his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte, wearing a black suit and white shirt, appeared before Trial Chamber III for the court’s third status conference on the case.

Presiding Judge Joanna Korner specifically noted Duterte’s presence at the proceedings, making clear that he could leave the courtroom whenever he wished.

“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so, Mr. Haynes, without permission being sought,” Korner told Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes.

Much of Wednesday’s hearing focused on how the prosecution could shorten the presentation of its case, with Korner urging prosecutors to consider reducing both their witnesses and the massive volume of evidence they intend to present.

The prosecution currently has about 15,000 items of evidence and a list of witnesses requiring an estimated 193 hours to testify.

Korner stressed the need to “conclude the case as quickly as possible.”

ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls said prosecutors would review their presentation and “will look for all opportunities to streamline” the proceedings.

Among the evidence prosecutors intend to introduce are data sets concerning the “bottom number” of suspects killed during police operations connected to Duterte’s drug war.

The trial chamber is expected to take up the prosecution’s proposed evidence and witness presentation during the next status conference.

Korner also said the trial is planned to run from Nov. 30 until the Christmas break before resuming in January and continuing through March.