ICC Holds Pre-Trial Conference in Duterte 'Crimes Against Humanity' Case

MANILA, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) held its third status conference on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity case on Wednesday, September 16. A status conference is where parties discuss matters related to the case before proceeding to a full trial. So far, the court has held two conferences: on May 27, when it announced that the trial will begin on November 30, and then on June 23, when the chamber cautioned lawyers against granting media interviews. For this third conference, the chamber has the following agenda: Prosecution’s case: List of witnesses, number of hours to be given to the prosecution to present its case, list of evidence, disclosure to the defense, and additional incidents Trial’s schedule from November 30 until the ICC’s spring recess in 2027 Former president Duterte is facing investigation by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the thousands of killings that occurred during his administration's war on drugs. The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2018, but the court maintains it has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.