ICC prosecutor wants more recorded testimonies

MANILA, Philippines — The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked judges handling the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte to admit prior recorded testimonies of three more witnesses in the case.

In a 14-page filing released on Monday, the ICC prosecutor formally asked the Trial Chamber III to admit the statements and associated materials relating to witnesses identified as P-1370, P-1393 and P-1416.

“As submitted, the prior recorded testimonies of the three witnesses do not concern the acts and conduct of the accused. They primarily relate to the contextual elements of crimes against humanity, particularly the policy to ‘neutralize’ through violent crimes, including murder, alleged criminals in the Philippines,” read the filing signed by ICC acting prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.

“The prior recorded testimonies are therefore relevant, reliable, probative and suitable for formal submission in written form,” the filing added.

Rody attends hearing

Like last month’s pre-trial hearing, Duterte was again present during Tuesday’s status conference, seated at the back row of the defense section during the case’s fourth.

Duterte listened to the proceedings with headphones.

During the hearing, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner set the initial schedule for the trial, which is set to begin on Nov. 30.

The first week of the trial will be conducted with breaks every hour in consideration of Duterte’s health.

The hearings will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.