Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, who is registered as an Assistant to Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), cautioned against the circulation of unverified medical information about former president Rodrigo Duterte. In a Facebook post on Saturday, she underscored that strict Dutch laws govern medical confidentiality within ICC detention facilities.
“Third persons disclosing the medical condition or situation of a person at the ICC detention facility must be aware of that there are strict Dutch laws on medical confidentiality,” Conti wrote. She clarified that medical records are strictly for healthcare providers directly involved in a detainee’s care and cannot be shared without explicit consent.
The post came after a series of statements from Duterte’s family and lawyers, including Vice President Sara Duterte, who earlier condemned her father’s continued detention as “not only unjust but inhumane.” Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, had also revealed that the former leader collapsed in his cell and was taken to a hospital for cranial and brain injury assessment, information that was not relayed to the family or defense team in real time.
Conti said those without direct access to Duterte should recognize that the ICC “is not typically swayed by either propaganda or public clamor.” She emphasized that any updates on his health should be formally relayed through proper channels. “Duterte’s health condition should be properly and formally transmitted to the court by his legal team. It should also be closely monitored by the ICC detention facility medical team,” she noted.
Warning against the dangers of misinformation, Conti added, “Know that ‘fake news’ and disinformation can backfire on your cause. Don’t be the hammer that drives the nail home, or closes the door shut.”
In a lighter remark, she closed her post with advice referencing earlier reports of Duterte’s untreated ingrown toenail: “PS. Speaking of nails. Google says if you have ingrown toenails, soak feet in warm water, with soap or apple cider vinegar.”
