Former President Rodrigo Duterte was given permission to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) courtroom at any point during his first in-person appearance before the tribunal on Wednesday, September 16.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner made the clarification during the third status conference in Duterte’s case, explaining that he did not need to seek approval from the Trial Chamber if he chose to leave.
“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so, Mr. Haynes, without permission being sought,” Korner told Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes.
Duterte, 81, remained in the courtroom throughout the hearing, which lasted a little over an hour. He did not address the chamber during the proceedings.
The conference centered on preparations for the former Philippine leader’s upcoming trial, including the prosecution’s planned witnesses, evidence and the time it expects to need to present its case.
The prosecution has proposed calling a large number of witnesses and requested 193 hours for their testimony. The Trial Chamber raised concerns about the length of the presentation and urged prosecutors to consider reducing the amount of material they intend to introduce.
ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls said the prosecution would look for ways to streamline its case. Prosecutors have also identified extensive documentary and other evidence that they intend to present during the trial.
Duterte’s appearance on September 16 marked his first time physically attending proceedings before the ICC. His initial appearance in March 2025 was conducted through a video link.
The former president had been absent from several subsequent proceedings, with his defense team previously citing health-related reasons for his limited participation.
Duterte’s trial is scheduled to begin on November 30 before Trial Chamber III.
