ICC judge responds to Medialdea's statement that Duterte's transfer was 'gross abuse of process'
Salvador Medialdea challenged the Registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a hearing of the Pre-Trial Chamber to justify how the former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transfer from the Philippines to ICC's custody was "anything other than a gross abuse of process."
Responding to Medialdea's arguments, Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc said that Duterte had been informed of his rights and the charges against him, as confirmed by the Registry's report, and that concerns regarding his transfer and arrest could be raised in later proceedings.
According to the ICC website, the pre-trial stage involves the initial appearance and the confirmation of charges hearings, after which the judges decide if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
A suspect can challenge the prosecutor's evidence in the confirmation of charges hearings.
Only after that will the court decide whether to press ahead with a trial, a process that could take several months or even years.
Former President Duterte on Friday faced via video link the ICC, where he is facing murder allegations stemming from his deadly "war on drugs."
The court read to Duterte the charges against him related to the killings under his administration's war on drugs.
The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for Sept. 23, 2025.
Read related articles in the comments section for more details.
Salvador Medialdea challenged the Registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a hearing of the Pre-Trial Chamber to justify how the former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transfer from the Philippines to ICC's custody was "anything other than a gross abuse of process."
Responding to Medialdea's arguments, Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc said that Duterte had been informed of his rights and the charges against him, as confirmed by the Registry's report, and that concerns regarding his transfer and arrest could be raised in later proceedings.
According to the ICC website, the pre-trial stage involves the initial appearance and the confirmation of charges hearings, after which the judges decide if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
A suspect can challenge the prosecutor's evidence in the confirmation of charges hearings.
Only after that will the court decide whether to press ahead with a trial, a process that could take several months or even years.
Former President Duterte on Friday faced via video link the ICC, where he is facing murder allegations stemming from his deadly "war on drugs."
The court read to Duterte the charges against him related to the killings under his administration's war on drugs.
The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for Sept. 23, 2025.
Read related articles in the comments section for more details.