The camp of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking to have the crimes against humanity charges against him dismissed before the International Criminal Court (ICC) holds its next hearing on September 23.
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a GMA News Online report that their legal team intends to challenge the court’s jurisdiction over the case, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC and Duterte’s alleged forced detention.
Roque revealed that they are waiting for Duterte’s signature on key documents to officially designate him as legal counsel. Meanwhile, the ICC has yet to confirm whether Roque and British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman are now officially part of Duterte’s defense team.
On Friday, Duterte appeared before the ICC via video link from the detention center, where the Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed his identity and informed him of the charges. A hearing to confirm the charges has been scheduled.
Roque described the 79-year-old Duterte as frail and struggling to accept his situation, recalling that the former president had previously expressed his unwillingness to be judged by a foreign court.
Duterte supporters gathered outside the ICC headquarters in the Netherlands, with some traveling from France, Italy, Germany, and Belgium. Prayer rallies were also held in the Philippines, calling for his immediate return.
