The International Criminal Court (ICC) will hold the second status conference on former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity case on June 23.

Rodrigo Duterte, the 76-year-old former president of the Philippines, has been charged with thousands of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and pushers during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. The charges include murder, torture, and other crimes against humanity.

In the first status conference on May 27, the Trial Chamber announced that the trial for Duterte’s case will begin on November 30. The proceedings will be held at the ICC's headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. The former president will be absent from the trial, having waived his right to appear.

Duterte was the 16th President of the Philippines, known for his tough stance on crime and corruption. Before his presidency, he served as mayor of Davao City, a city in the southern part of the country. During his tenure as mayor, he established a reputation for being a strict enforcer of the law.

The prosecution, led by Pablo Fajardo, a Spanish lawyer representing the Philippines, will present evidence of the alleged crimes. The expert panel report, which the parties will discuss in the conference, details the findings of an investigation into the alleged crimes. The report outlines the crimes, including murder, torture, and other war crimes, allegedly committed during Duterte's presidency.

A status conference is a pre-trial proceeding where parties discuss matters related to the case before proceeding to a full trial. In the conference, the parties will discuss dates for next status conferences after the judicial recess, as well as the adoption of a protocol on handling confidential information.

According to sources, Duterte has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His defense team has argued that he has immunity from prosecution due to his position as president.

The trial is expected to be a significant moment for the Philippines and the ICC. The case has sparked heated debates about human rights and the rule of law in the country. The trial will be closely watched by the international community.

### Key Facts:

  • Rodrigo Duterte is a 76-year-old former Philippine president charged with crimes against humanity.
  • The trial is set to begin on November 30 at the ICC's headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.
  • The charges against Duterte include murder, torture, and other crimes against humanity.
  • The prosecution is led by Pablo Fajardo, a Spanish lawyer representing the Philippines.
  • Duterte has waived his right to appear at the trial.