The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a directive requiring both the prosecution and defense teams in the case of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to disclose their evidence by April. This move comes ahead of the confirmation of charges hearing, which is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
In an order dated March 21, the Chamber outlined specific requirements for both parties. The prosecution must submit detailed information by April 4, including the total number of written pieces of evidence, their page count, and the original language of these documents. Additionally, suppose the prosecution intends to rely on non-written evidence such as photographs, videos, or audio recordings. They must provide details about their duration, language, and available transcripts or translations. The Chamber also seeks clarity on the number of witnesses the prosecution plans to call and whether protective measures will be requested for these individuals.
The defense team, on the other hand, has until April 11 to respond to the prosecution’s submissions. They must disclose whether they plan to present evidence or call witnesses during the confirmation hearing. The Chamber has also asked the defense to indicate if they will raise an alibi or require additional investigations before the hearing.
The ICC Registry has been tasked with filing observations on victims’ applications for participation in the case by April 2. This includes details on the admission process, proof of identity documents, and legal representation for the victims.
This case revolves around allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, linked to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs during his presidency. While official records cite over 6,000 deaths, human rights groups argue that the actual number, including extrajudicial killings, could be as high as 30,000. Duterte, who was arrested on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ICC’s directive aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the proceedings, allowing both parties adequate time to prepare for the upcoming hearing. This development marks a significant step in the pursuit of accountability for alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s administration.
