By Benjamin Cuaresma
Foreign Sources
MANILA — An International Criminal Court (ICC) judge has warned lawyers involved in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte against using the media as a platform for legal arguments, stressing that the outcome of the proceedings will be determined by the court and not by public opinion.
During a status conference held Tuesday, ICC Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner reminded both prosecution and defense lawyers that all issues concerning the case should be addressed through proper judicial proceedings.
“The place to argue this case is in this courtroom,” Korner said, emphasizing that public statements by counsel risk undermining the integrity of the proceedings.
Korner specifically cited remarks previously made by Duterte’s former lead lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, who withdrew from the defense team in May.
The judge recalled that Kaufman had earlier been reminded by the court to observe professional conduct and maintain respect toward judicial processes. However, she noted that subsequent public comments criticizing ICC rulings raised concerns about adherence to those standards.
Following an Appeals Chamber decision affirming the ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte’s case, Kaufman publicly questioned the court’s actions in media interviews. Korner described such statements as inappropriate for a lawyer directly connected to ongoing proceedings.
The ICC magistrate also addressed the growing spread of misinformation surrounding the Duterte case, particularly on social media platforms.
She noted that the proceedings have attracted widespread public attention in the Philippines, creating opportunities for the circulation of false and misleading information.
Korner urged journalists to report developments accurately and refrain from speculation, while reminding media organizations that information discussed during closed-door sessions remains confidential.
She also expressed concern that existing ICC professional codes provide limited guidance regarding lawyers’ interaction with the media and suggested that clearer rules may be needed in the future.
Duterte again waived his right to attend the status conference and was absent from the hearing.
The former president is currently represented by British lawyer Peter Haynes and associate counsel Kate Gibson.
The court directed independent medical experts to submit by August 18 their findings on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial. Both parties will be given until the end of August to comment on the report.
Additional status conferences have been scheduled for July, September, October, and early November as preparations continue for the opening of the trial on November 30.
Judge Korner said she expects Duterte and his legal team to attend the September proceedings unless medical issues prevent their participation.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity involving allegations of murder and attempted murder linked to anti-drug operations carried out between 2011 and 2019.
ICC prosecutors allege that the former president bears responsibility for killings that occurred during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines.
The case remains one of the most closely watched international legal proceedings involving a former Philippine head of state.
ia/xf
