The Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have asked Trial Chamber III to maintain former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s detention, saying the circumstances that previously justified his continued custody remain unchanged.
In their public redacted filing, the CLRV said Duterte’s detention remains necessary to ensure his appearance at trial and prevent possible intimidation, threats or interference involving victims and witnesses.
The filing also cited the recent report of the multidisciplinary Panel of Experts tasked with examining Duterte’s fitness to stand trial.
While portions of the report remain redacted, the CLRV said the Panel of Experts’ assessment on whether Duterte continues to pose a flight risk or retains the capacity to interfere with the investigation or proceedings was “unequivocally affirmative.”
According to the victims’ representatives, the independent medical assessment does not affect the previous judicial determination that Duterte continues to pose a significant flight risk.
Moreover, the CLRV also maintained that the factors previously identified by the Pre-Trial Chamber and Trial Chamber in assessing Duterte’s ability to abscond and rely on various support networks remain valid and unchanged.
Victims and their families, the CLRV said, attach considerable importance to the proceedings, viewing them as the only avenue to obtain justice.
They likewise emphasized the importance of Duterte appearing before the ICC judges in person.
For this reason, the CLRV requested that Trial Chamber III maintain Duterte’s detention.
Meanwhile, the third status conference in Duterte’s ICC case is set for Wednesday, September 16, at 10:30 a.m. in The Hague, or 4:30 p.m. Manila time.
