MANILA (June 22) — Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued detailed guidelines governing the conduct of the upcoming crimes against humanity trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, marking another step toward the formal start of proceedings later this year.
In a 23-page decision released Friday, ICC Trial Chamber III outlined the procedures that will guide the trial, which is scheduled to begin on Nov. 30.
The decision establishes key deadlines for pre-trial submissions and sets out rules for the presentation of witnesses, documentary evidence, and other materials that may be introduced during the proceedings.
Deadlines Set for Parties
Under the court’s timetable, prosecutors have until Aug. 31 to submit their trial brief, a document outlining the evidence and witnesses they intend to present.
The common legal representatives of participating victims have until Sept. 28 to file their submissions, while Duterte’s defense team has until Oct. 30 to submit its trial brief.
The trial is expected to begin with opening statements from the prosecution, victims’ representatives, and the defense before the presentation of evidence and witnesses.
“The Chamber will issue a separate decision on the length and timing of the presentation of evidence by the prosecution after receipt of the prosecution’s final list of evidence,” the court said in its ruling.
Judges noted that decisions regarding the presentation of evidence by the defense and victims’ representatives will be issued at a later stage of the proceedings.
Witness Protection Measures
The ICC guidelines also address how witnesses will testify and how evidence will be handled throughout the trial.
The court approved procedures covering documentary, digital, and physical evidence, as well as protocols for protecting witnesses who may face security or privacy concerns.
These measures include the possibility of private or closed sessions when necessary and the use of protective arrangements designed to safeguard vulnerable witnesses.
The court said public versions of filings and hearing transcripts will continue to be released throughout the proceedings, although sensitive information may be redacted to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of the case.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The ruling comes ahead of a second status conference scheduled for Tuesday, during which the parties are expected to discuss preparations for trial and address outstanding procedural matters.
Duterte has again been permitted not to attend the status conference.
Status conferences are routine proceedings that allow judges and parties to review the progress of preparations and resolve logistical and legal issues before the start of trial.
A Significant Stage in the Proceedings
The issuance of trial directions signals that the case is moving deeper into the judicial process as the court prepares for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched proceedings involving a former Philippine president.
The ICC case centers on allegations of crimes against humanity linked to killings associated with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, accusations that he has repeatedly denied.
As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense are expected to finalize their evidence and witness lists, setting the stage for a legal battle that will likely draw significant attention from victims’ families, human rights groups, government officials, and the international community.
With procedural rules now in place, the focus shifts to the evidence that each side will present when trial proceedings formally begin in November.
