The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, will move forward with a hearing regarding the detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, despite his absence. Pre-Trial Chamber I granted Duterte’s request to skip the February 27 proceeding.
Duterte Waives Detention Hearing
According to a four-page decision dated February 25, the ICC chamber acknowledged Duterte’s right to attend the detention hearing but noted his decision to waive that right. The chamber confirmed that Duterte is aware of the legal consequences of this waiver, as explained by his legal counsel.
In his waiver, Duterte stated his trust in his lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, and the rest of his legal team to represent him. He expressed a desire not to participate in the hearing remotely, stating, “I do not wish to follow this hearing from outside the courtroom through the leverage of communications technology.”
This is not the first hearing Duterte has chosen to forgo; he previously waived his appearance at the confirmation of charges hearing, stating, “I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me.”
Duterte faces three counts of murder as crimes against humanity. He is accused of being an “indirect co-perpetrator” in extrajudicial killings linked to his “war on drugs,” allegedly occurring between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, during his time as both mayor of Davao City and President of the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the detention hearing?
The hearing is to review Duterte’s detention, even though he has waived his right to be present.
When did Duterte waive his right to attend the confirmation of charges hearing?
Duterte had also earlier waived his appearance in the confirmation of charges hearing.
What charges is Duterte facing?
Duterte is facing three counts of murder as crimes against humanity, accused of being an “indirect co-perpetrator” in extrajudicial killings.
As the ICC proceeds with this hearing, what implications might this have for the future of international criminal justice and accountability for alleged human rights violations?
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